Somerset Spartans Basketball Mid-year Report

With the conclusion of Round 10 for Club Basketball, the mid-year holiday period was upon us! While some students enjoyed a well deserved holiday a select group of dedicated Spartans basketballers got to work, preparing for tournaments during the break.

Gold Coast Invitational Tournament 2019

The Gold Coast Invitational (GCI) Tournament is hosted by Hillcrest Christian College every year, and was held at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre from 4 to 7 July. Somerset College entered three teams into the tournament, 15 Year Boys, 15 Year Girls, and Open Boys. All three teams competed against some of the top basketball schools from around the state, some even travelling interstate to compete at the GCI tournament.

The 15 Year Boys' team finished seventh in their division, with some huge moments during the tournament as a team, and for individuals. Tyler Longfield finished with a MASSIVE 47 points in a pool game verse Hillcrest's second team, scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter alone! Wilson Partridge had a game high 36 points in the semi final on Saturday verse St Columban's College, including six three-pointers made in an intense back-and-forth game. However, the final game verse Toowoomba Grammar School was a true testament of how good this team could be. They pulled together to get the win 58 to 50, with four players scoring in double figures, and some great teamwork on display on both ends of the floor. Captain, Jordon Webb, had a game high 13 in the final game against Toowoomba and Jude Taylor and Alex Psaras played some great defence and grabbed some big rebounds all tournament. Zak Van Den Brink some big steals and improved in defence every game, and Jasper Mansell showed that he has the potential to be an elite guard, attacking the rim with great confidence.

The 15 Year Girls team finished fifth in their division, overcoming Varsity College in their final match 67 to 43. The girls had a rough start, losing Victoria Jones after a game, and also Claudia Crimmins after injuring her finger and being ruled out for the tournament. Fortunately the six girls remaining pulled together and worked hard, competing against teams with twice the amount of players on the bench. They ran hard every game, encouraged one another, and showed some real toughness towards the tail end of the tournament. Sisters Jade and Cienna Bailey combined for 39 points in their pool game verse Varsity College, where Cienna had a game high 22 points. They then combined for 35 points in the final game, where Jade had a game high 23 points. The Bailey sisters usually play on different teams for club, but the chemistry they showed during the tournament was exciting to watch! Ekheera Birk and Riley Davenport played crucial roles in defence, containing some top guards, and grew in confidence as they continued to attack and score on offence. Sophie Vitte and Sydney Surie were equally as important to the team's success, locking down the middle in defence, securing rebounds, and scoring valuable baskets for the team.

The Open Boys Team finished ninth in the top division, playing against some of the best high school players in the state, with some tough competition. Due to some late illness and injury, the team played the tournament with only six players, one on the bench, which was a challenge to start with, and demanded accountability from each individual, every game. A tough ask! Day one the boys pulled together and beat Toowoomba Grammar School in a first-class basketball display. Players played their roles to perfection, with Dom Bensley leading the charge, Mitchell Murdock challenging every contest, Nick Spegel locking down the middle, Felix Jackson making smart decisions, Ben O'Boyle causing trouble around the fringe, and Nathan Rana-Smith making some big plays. Unfortunately the team's success didn't last for the duration of the tournament, as the Open Boys fell short against some quality opposition. We often grow in defeat more than we do in victory, as we sit, think, and learn from our errors, planning and working together to be better next time. Along with this, we learn to keep going, we develop resilience, and we aim to improve as leaders and as a team, making adjustments and implementing strategies to be better next time.

All in all the GCI tournament was a huge success for Somerset Spartans, and we aim to enter several teams into the competition in June/July Holidays 2020!

Under 11 Basketball Championships

Two U11s' teams travelled up to Caloundra to compete in the 2019 U11 Basketball Championships from the 12 to 14 July. This is the first time Somerset College has competed in the U11 Basketball Championships, and it would be one to remember! Somerset Spartans entered one girls team and one boys team consisting of eight dedicated young players in each team.

The U11 Girls Team consisted of several players who were new to basketball this year, and were ready for the challenge heading to a tournament where they would play several games each day against some skilled opponents. The girls played two games in a row on their final day, winning their playoff game for a bronze medal by 7 points. The girls showed incredible spirit and intensity each game, and coaches Vicki Franks and Ashleigh Hunt were instrumental in improving the girls game-to-game. Audrey Cirocco, Brianna Peardon, Eliana Brienza, Abhilasha Sarmah, Evelyn Chan, Riko Tateno and Lucy Pluss were all absolutely brilliant! Well done girls, you are all a fantastic example of the values we hold so dear at Somerset Spartans Basketball.

The U11 Boys Team had a fairytale tournament, going unbeaten and winning the gold medal in their division. The team had three sets of brothers on the roster, which gave them the edge with team chemistry already instilled into their DNA. All jokes aside, the leadership, organisation and composure they displayed was second-to-none. Every player on the team put in, played hard, and supported one another at every turn. James Hartley was the tournament MVP, racking up a huge points tally and setting up his teammates all tournament. Pat Kelly-Correa was the defensive anchor of the team, and set the intensity with his hustle and spirit. Will Pluss and Liam Borin were key with their strength and rebounding ability, having a huge final game for the gold medal. Liam Hartley and Rowan Bartley improved every game, scoring some important baskets for the team in big matches. Jack Pluss and Julian Kelly-Correa gave their all every game, and showed that they have great potential to play with the best. Ethan Kelly-Correa provided some valuable minutes, and almost brought the house down when an opportunity to score went begging in the 4th quarter of the final game.

Overall, the U11 Basketball Championships was a learning experience for all. We learnt how incredible the families at Somerset College are at supporting one another and showing compassion and care. A huge thank you to all the parents for helping make the weekend run so smoothly, and taking such great care of one another.

Club Basketball Winter Season Continues... Round 11 tips off this week, with all team training sessions also commencing as of Week 1. A strong finish is needed for teams to ensure they give themselves the best possible chance of making finals and getting prepared for some big, clutch games. All game fixtures, results, etc. can be found on Somerset Basketball Schoolbox page from week to week, including other important information on upcoming events.

End of Season Presentations

Please save the date for our Winter Season 2019 Club Basketball Presentations, which will be held on Friday 13 September at Somerset College, the week following the conclusion of club basketball finals.

Any students interested in joining Somerset Spartans Basketball Club, please contact Mr Whish-Wilson (swwilson@somerset.qld.edu.au) or Coach Dean Marais (dmarais@somerset.qld.edu.au) for more info and details on how to sign up.