Young basketballers take gold at national games

YOUNG Bacchus Marsh basketballers Avery Edwards and Myla Triantafilou have made their mark on a national stage as members of a Victorian team that won its age category at the recent School Sport Australian Championship.

Avery and Myla, both 12, went through a trial and selection process before securing selection in the state team, which defeated Queensland in the 12 and Under Girls final by just three points – 44 to 41.

The pair’s latest honours followed their representation of Country Victoria at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup earlier this year.

In that event, Avery and Myla were part of the Top Age Under-14s at the five-day tournament at Albury/Wodonga, and their team placed sixth.

Held in and around Brisbane from 26 July to 1 August, the school sport event attracted about 1200 young athletes from around the nation who competed in basketball, soccer, golf, netball, rugby league, Australian rules football, swimming and diving.

Age categories varied from 12 and under to 19 years. Teams from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia contested Avery and Myla’s age category.

Avery is in grade 6 at Bacchus Marsh Primary School, while Myla – a former BMPS pupil – has this year started year 7 studies at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

Myla’s mother Claire said being given an opportunity to play with such a talented group of athletes had been an amazing experience for the girls, and one they would cherish forever.

“The girls worked so hard and were so united as a team to bring home that gold medal,” she said.

“We couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and commitment.”

Ally Edwards, Avery’s mother, said sport has a “beautiful way of bringing us all together.”

For her part, Avery said representing BMPS at the games was an experience she will never forget.

“I have made lifelong friends, and we are already planning the reunion,” she said.

The Victorian team played six games over five days and went into the final undefeated.

School Sport Australia was formed in 1981 to act as the parent body for all school sport in Australia, with responsibility for development and promotion.

It organises and runs interstate competitions at both primary and secondary levels, a culmination of state-based programs offering gifted and talented students the opportunity to participate in higher levels of sporting competition.