NBL1 South Select Impress in Team China U18 Men Hit Out

Feature Image - Shane Panther

The NBL1 South Select delivered a composed four quarter performance on Monday night against Team China U18 Men, with contributions right across the roster highlighting the depth of talent assembled from across the conference.

The clash brought together one of the conference’s brightest young groups for a rare opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on home soil, while also providing valuable preparation for Team China U18 Men ahead of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

NBL1 South Select settled in quickly in the opening quarter, knocking down 4 first-quarter triples at 50 percent from beyond the arc while moving the ball well in the half court. Keilor Thunder guard Tana Kopa set the tone early with 8 first half points, while Geelong United wing Marach Marach added 7 first half points and 4 rebounds to help establish balance between the perimeter and interior.

That rhythm carried into the second quarter as NBL1 South Select continued to execute efficiently and build through multiple contributors. Sandringham Sabres guard Elliott Brown had early points, Frankston Blues guard Austin Shelley added 8 first half points, and Knox Raiders big Kobe Williamson gave NBL1 South Select a strong interior presence with 6 first half points and 5 rebounds.

NBL1 South Select produced one of its strongest stretches in the third quarter, lifting its defensive pressure and continuing to generate quality looks through transition and second side action. Dandenong Rangers guard Ryan Rapp provided a spark in the third quarters, while teammate Sam Davidson added 7 second half points as the tempo lifted out of the break.

The final quarter saw NBL1 South Select maintain its structure on both ends and continue to share the ball. Ringwood Hawks guard Tom Carroll controlled the tempo late finishing with 8 points and 9 assists, while Melbourne Tigers guard Mason Gaze, Eltham Wildcats forward Harrison Hornery and Bendigo Braves wing Jordan Straatsma all continued to provide productive minutes through the rotation.

Team China U18 Men arrived in Australia as one of the premier youth programs in world basketball, preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup after a 3rd place finish at the 2024 U18 Asia Cup and a strong campaign at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. For NBL1 South Select, the contest provided a valuable benchmark against high level international opposition and another strong showcase of the talent coming through the conference pathway.

NBL1 South Select finished all 12 players scoring and contributing across the stat sheet, reflecting the depth, versatility and collective talent across the group.

Elliott Brown (Sandringham Sabres) 6 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL
Austin Shelley (Frankston Blues) 11 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL
Tana Kopa (Keilor Thunder) 11 PTS, 1 REB
Marach Marach (Geelong United) 19 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL
Brody Nunn (Knox Raiders) 4 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL
Jordan Straatsma (Bendigo Braves) 5 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 3 STL
Ryan Rapp (Dandenong Rangers) 6 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
Harrison Hornery (Eltham Wildcats) 12 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL
Mason Gaze (Melbourne Tigers) 7 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 1 BLK
Sam Davidson (Dandenong Rangers) 12 PTS, 3 STL
Kobe Williamson (Knox Raiders) 10 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK
Tom Carroll (Ringwood Hawks) 8 PTS, 2 REB, 1 BLK
Christian D'Angelo (Nunawading Spectres) DNP - Injured