Shire of Coolgardie U14's aim for the top

Published on Friday, 17 March 2023 at 10:03:53 AM

From L-to R Front row: Toa Pratley, Nayte Crawley, Jordan Jury, Tawhiri Rapihana, Ned Nybo. Back Row: Coach, Kathy Brooking, Ben Stockham, Jett Carman, Assistant Coach, Will Keast, Anzac Schultz. Absent: Bevan -Roy Allen.

A team of relatively new U14 boys from the Shire of Coolgardie have their eyes set on a basketball grand final and they are on their way to achieving it.

The group of boys play under the Shire of Coolgardie and are coached by Kathy Brooking, Leisure and Recreation Development Manager for the Shire. They have been part of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association competition for two years and have gone from strength to strength in that time.

Mrs. Brooking stated, “The opportunity to work their way back to finals feels like a major triumph as last year the team secured finals positioning but the game was cancelled due to Covid. The boys have been inspired by this and it shows.”

The team is made up of three existing players and five new ones and is assistant coached by former team member, William Keast. Will was unable to play this year but wanted to stay involved with basketball. Kathy suggested he learn to coach so Will completed an online general coaching course and has gradually progressed to taking the reins while Kathy supports.

Mrs Brooking noted, “ The kids have played their hearts out and each member of the team has stepped up with regard to respect and their responsibilities. This has been great for the younger kids with the more experienced players guiding them and helping them develop. By playing under the Shire of Coolgardie, we have hoped to instil a sense of pride in the kids for their hometown.”

Parent and major team support person,  Kelly Williamson said, “The team morale has grown over the season as well as the boy's confidence.”

Last night they played their semi-final against top of the ladder, Saint’s U14’s. They started strong but unfortunately couldn’t keep their lead with the final score sitting at Saints 52 and Shire of Coolgardie 33.

Mrs Brooking said “The boys had moments of inspiration and I was so impressed with some of the more inexperienced players who really stepped up and shone last night. We may have lost this game but it was a great learning curve for the boys and they get another chance next Tuesday, March 21st when we will play the Olympians U14’s side in another semi.”

Back to All News