Richardson selected as Gold Nugget attendee

ONE of the Surf Coast’s own has been selected to attend a premiere Under-14 Academy Program among 232 of country basketball’s best young talent.

Surfcoast Chargers power forward Sam Richardson said he was very surprised, but excited to hear he had been selected to Basketball Victoria’s Gold Nugget Camp, but the 13-year-old is ready to showcase his talent.

“I am very excited to attend and am feeling a little bit nervous but looking forward to the camp,” Richardson said.

“The past season has been fun playing with my teammates and we had some success getting into the preliminary final.

“Over the past season, the areas I have developed most have been my shooting and being able to finish at the ring.”

The camp, set to run from Wednesday, September 21 (boys) to Thursday, September 22 (girls) at Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, will allow players to showcase their abilities with the best performing athletes to be picked for selection to the 2023 Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and Southern Cross Challenge.

For Richardson, it will allow the Iona College Geelong student to test his mettle against high-calibre opponents.

“At the camp, I hope to learn some new skills and plays from the coaches and be able to play against more experienced players,” Richardson said.

“I just love playing basketball and look forward to the experience.”

Former juniors to attend the camp include Dyson Daniels, Jack White, Tessa Lavey, Maddie Garrick, Jade Melbourne, Jaz Shelley and Matthew Dellavedova.