Junior Miners off to nationals

A SQUAD of young local basketballers are heading to the National Club Championships in Sydney in September.

The Ballarat Miners under 14 boys are set to take part in the major comp alongside 23 other teams including sides from Bendigo, Nunawading, Whittlesea and Kilsyth.

The invite comes after the young Miners finished second at the under 14 Basketball Victoria Junior Country Championships, seventh at the National Junior Classic, and qualified for the top tier VC Champ conference in the Victorian Junior Basketball League.

“The team is looking forward to heading to Sydney and put their best foot forward and represent Ballarat the best they can,” said Matt Sheehan, head coach of the under 14 Miners boys.

“This is something they truly deserve, and the experience is something they will remember for ever.

“This is such a great opportunity for boys to play at the National level at such a young age

“I’ve been very lucky to have a group of extremely talented boys who are willing to learn and just love the game of Basketball.”

The squad incudes Lucas Byrne, Oliver Cape, Ky Geljon, Sam Keating, Archer Martin, Campbell McPhan, James Sheehan, Levi Smart, Sonni TeMoananui and Tyson Walsh, and along with Sheehan, there’s assistant coach Lincoln Martin and team manger Peta Byrne.

Basketball Ballarat elite team’s manager Glenn White said the invitation to the National Club Championships marked an important milestone for the Miners.

“This is the first time we have had a boys team qualify for the under 14 Nationals since 2007 which proves what a great achievement this already is for the players and coaches,” he said.

A statement from Basketball Ballarat said it’s likely to cost about $3000 per player to make it to the comp.

As a result, the club is now raising money to get the team to Sydney, setting up a support page to accept donations at gofund.me/d0083356.

There’s also calls for backing from local businesses, with care rental company SIXT Ballarat already chipping in a 25-seat bus to get the team to the Harbour City.