School’s slam dunk

By Tina Seirlis

The air is abuzz with excitement at a local school following news the girls’ basketball team has secured a spot at State level. Thought to be the first time a Bacchus Marsh Primary School (BMPS) team has made it to this level of competition, the group is set to feature at the upcoming State Championships which will take place at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 14 November.

The team comprises 11 players and was originally formed back in July in preparation for a district sports day competition. What followed was a series of six victories at district level, following on to a successful division event in Melton. The team then progressed undefeated to the Regional Championships in October.

BMPS Sports Coordinator Dave Champness shared the nail-biting account of what occurred on the day.

“The pivotal game was against St Therese’s. They were playing strongly and looked like they might be too good,” he told the Moorabool News.

“After a timeout, the girls rallied and took the lead at the end of the game. The finish was frantic, with both teams having opportunities to win, before some excellent defensive stops led to a draw. We were all on calculators to see who would qualify,” he said.

Ultimately, the team got in the grand final by a single field goal.

“In the grand final our girls kept running all game to beat Holy Spirit fairly comfortably.”

Mr Champness has worked at BMPS for the past 13 years, with the last five in the PE role. A Darley resident, he has also been involved with basketball in Bacchus Marsh across the past decade.

All 11 players are excited and continuing to train and work out strategies in preparation for the championship game.

“Our number one goal all the way through has been to have a fun day at the three tournaments we’ve been to,” Mr Champness said.

“We also value playing hard and playing a role for the team, whether that be big or small. Persistence has been very important.”