VIC Metro Teams Win Gold at U16 National Championship
2012 U16 Australian Junior Championship Grand Final results
U16 VIC Metro Women def QLD South Women 53 – 50
U16 VIC Metro Men def QLD South Men 70 - 46
The 2012 Under 16 Australian Junior Championship concluded on Saturday 14 July. The Victoria Metropolitan women’s and men’s teams (who were the reigning champions) dominated the event, with both teams winning the gold medal in a clean sweep for VIC Metro. The VIC Country Men’s team won bronze and the VIC Country Women’s team placed fourth. The weeklong tournament was held in Tamworth, New South Wales from 7-14 July 2012 with 28 of the top U16 women’s and men’s teams from across Australia and New Zealand competing for the title of best U16 team in Australia.
The women’s grand final was a very close match with Vic Metro determined to avenge their defeat against QLD South earlier in the tournament. Brigitte O’Neill played a great game for Vic Metro with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 7 blocks. Alexandra Sharp also had 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Head Coach of the 2012 U16 VIC Metro Women’s Team, Jonathan Goodman said: “It was a fantastic effort by the girls who came together throughout the week. They had some adversity early in the week but grouped together to achieve a great result. I'm proud of the way the girls grew as athletes throughout the week to achieve their goal to be national champions. I'd like to thank the staff who worked tirelessly throughout the preparations and the week away. Also thanks go to the players’ Associations and the Basketball Victoria NIT program that invests so much time into the development of these athletes. “
Ross Wignell, Basketball Operations Manager for Basketball Victoria added: “In a tournament that included some very good talent, we were able to stay together, play aggressively, rebound the ball, get after the loose balls, play some great defence and win the Gold Medal. The pressure of the game contributed to many mistakes, something we will work on in the months ahead but the tenacity and commitment displayed by the girls was extremely pleasing. The staff were definitely tested coming through the week, highlighted by the loss to Queensland South on the Sunday. To beat NSW Metro in the Semi Final and back up the following night to beat Qld South for the Gold Medal was a fantastic effort. One full of character, determination and very much deserved. “
For the Vic Metro men Dejan Vasiljevic was outstanding in the grand final amassing a game-high 24 points as well as 6 rebounds. Blake Allison added 12 points and 7 rebounds while Matt Owies also played well with 11 points, 6 assists and 9 rebounds.
Commenting on the result, Head Coach of the 2012 U16 VIC Metro Men’s Team, Ross Clark said: “The boys put in a fantastic effort for the entire week, culminating in a convincing win over Qld South in the final 70-46. As Head Coach I am extremely proud of how the players played throughout the week especially at the defensive end, they were great ambassadors for Vic Metro basketball both on and off the court. Personally I would like to thank my coaching staff of Anth, Rob and Nathan as well as support staff Lisa and Tim for a great job as well. I would like to thank the parents for all of their support - it was greatly appreciated. The Tamworth Basketball Association also needs to be congratulated on running a hugely successful first National Championship. Finally, thanks also to the Associations, VJBL and Basketball Victoria for their support and ongoing development of these athletes.”
Ross Wignell, Basketball Operations Manager for Basketball Victoria added: “Going into the tournament, I thought the boys would be well placed. Strong in all positions, they appeared a team that would handle the weeklong tournament successfully. Their performance in the Semi Final was outstanding especially defensively, setting the standard for the following night. Keeping Queensland South to just 2 points at quarter time in the Grand Final whilst we had 19 enabled us to go on and win Gold rather comfortably. It was a great all round team effort. The staff did a fantastic job and all of the boys bought in. The win capped a very good night for Vic Metro.”
2012 U16 Vic Metro Men’s Team 2012 U16 Vic Metro Women’s Team
Abi Akintola Diamond Valley Kayla Bretherton Melbourne
Blake Allison Melbourne Grace Collett Diamond Valley
Harley Balic Sandringham Sonia Dirito Knox
Jacob Elordi Melbourne Chloe Hocking Bulleen
Anthony Karabatsos Diamond Valley Rachel Lucas Knox
Sebastiano Lamonato Nunawading Anneli Maley Eltham
Matt Owies Melbourne Brigitte O’Neill Hawthorn
Jock Perry Melbourne Georgia Pineau Melbourne
Dejan Vasiljevic Melbourne Alexandra Sharp Diamond Valley
Thomas Wilson Melbourne Brittany Wunhym Melbourne
Emergencies Emergencies
Michael D’Agostino Blackburn Rachel Brewster Melbourne
Cameron Hutton Melbourne Meg Crupi Diamond Valley
Finn Kenny Sandringham Georgia Dale Eltham
Jack McDonald McKinnon Shannon Molloy Bulleen
Alexandra Smead Bulleen
Yasmin Tan Knox
Staff Staff
Ross Clark Head Coach Jonathan Goodman Head Coach
Rob Coulter Assistant Coach Sam Thornton Assistant Coach
Anthony Dimis Assistant Coach Mark Alabakov Development Coach
Nathan Cooper-Brown Development Coach Jenni James Team Manager
Lisa Page Team Manager Rachael Fitzgerald Physiotherapist
Tim McNamara Physiotherapist Simon Hickey Selector
The win by the VIC Metro Women’s team represents the thirteenth straight victory for the VIC Metro Women who have won the title an incredible 13 out of 13 years (with a total of 27 titles over the past 41 years since the U16 Women’s National championship began). The VIC Metro men’s team also has a very impressive track record at the U16 Australian Junior Championship, winning 12 titles over the last 16 years (and 35 out of the past 57 years since the U16 men’s National Championship began in 1955).
For further information, photos or interviews please contact:
Sandra Sloane
State Teams Administrator
P: 03 9837 8020 - M: 0409 533 221
E: sandra.sloane@basketballvictoria.com.au
If using photo of the 2012 U16 VIC Metro Men’s Team, please credit Kangaroo Photos. Players and coaching/support staff appearing in the photo from left to right are: (back row) Nathan Cooper-Brown, Jock Perry, Harley Balic, Thomas Wilson, Sebastiano Lamonato, Rob Coulter, Anthony Dimis and Ross Clark. Middle row: Lisa Page, Jacob Elordi and Tim McNamara. Front row: Abi Akintola, Anthony Karabatsos, Matt Owies, Dejan Vasiljevic and Blake Allison.
If using the photo of the 2012 U16 VIC Metro Women’s Team, please credit Kangaroo Photos. Players and coaching/support staff appearing in the photo from left to right are: (back row) Simon Hickey, Sam Thornton, Kayla Bretherton, Chloe Hocking, Rachel Lucas, Anneli Maley, Sonia Diriton, Rachael Fitzgerald, Mark Alabakov, Jenni James and Jonathan Goodman. Front row from left to right: Alexandra Sharp, Brigitte O’Neill, Brittany Wunhym, Georgia Pineau and Grace Collett.
