Strong Ballarat representation for Vic Country Under-18 Teams

Congratulations to all the Thrifty Ballarat Miners Rush Junior members who have been selected to represent Victoria Country at the 2021 Under-18 Australian Junior Championships in April.

The players will travel to Wyndham’s Eagle Stadium from 10-17 taking on the best Under-18 talent from across Australia.

Victoria Country Women’s coach Haydn Kirkwood said the side will be a challenge to defend due to the versatility and dour defence within the group. 

“We are going to be extremely versatile with all players able to exchange through various positions effectively,” Kirkwood said. “Defensively committed to repeated efforts and offensively able to stretch the opposition. 

“A lot of these players missed out on representing their community last year so the opportunity now will be a driving factor to our success. Tryouts were extremely competitive and any signs of last years' reduced competition was definitely not visible. The group of athletes that trialed were well prepared to get straight into the process. 

“The level of commitment the girls have shown to their individual skill development during the lockdown period is a testament to the competitive nature of Victorian athletes.” 

With only a month until the championships, Kirkwood said the team is ready to get stuck into training ahead of the tournament and to showcase Victoria Country to our home state. 

“The staff and players are excited and motivated heading into nationals,” Kirkwood said. “With the championships being held in Victoria, it adds a little more pressure but that's something we are looking forward to. 

“National tournaments are exciting to be a part of, as we get to see the next crop of Australian representative players compete – it’s always a great experience.” Kirkwood ended with.

Vic Country Under-18 Women

• Georgia Cox (Ballarat)
• Jemma Amoore (Ballarat)
• Rosie Todd (Ballarat)
• Millie Sharp (Ballarat)

The Vic Country Team will be lead by Basketball Ballarat's own Joel Anderson. The side has plenty of Australian Junior Championships experience with a number of returning athletes from the 2019 Under-16 silver medal winning team in Darwin. 

For head coach Joel Anderson, the trialing group set a high standard which has resulted in a competitive 

“The tryout process was a hectic, high paced workout, which really tested how fit athletes were coming out of lockdown,” Anderson said.

“A process which usually takes a couple months, took mere weeks and this was a real test for coaches and athletes alike. 

“The team features seven bottom aged players, showing the strength of their age group - the team is fast paced, strong and ready for any challenge. 

“I’m looking forward to attending a Victorian event; will be great to have the hometown support for the boys.” Anderson ended with.

Vic Country Under-18 Men

• Alex Molan (Ballarat)
• Fletcher Burger (Ararat / Ballarat)
• Lucas Impey (Ballarat)
• Joel Anderson (Ballarat) Head Coach
• Richard Morin (Ballarat) Team Manager