Young Hawks Off and Flying

Young Hawks off and flying (to College)

With lockdown 6.0 causing another hiatus to the 2021 Victorian Youth Championship Men season, the team and club are not able to acknowledge those headed to the USA to commence or continue their collegiate experience. Three rostered players were supposed to play their final game last weekend before joining their respective colleges. Ben Linkin, Xavier Phillips and James Hughes will be departing in the coming days, escaping Melbourne lockdown to pursue their basketball dreams abroad.

Ben, a perennial 1’s player in U16, U18 and U21, has spent a number of years on the Youth roster, none more significant than this year. A skilled combo guard with lethal perimeter shooting, Ben is averaging 11.2 pts, 3.1 rebs and 2.9 asts per game in a breakout season. He entered the starting lineup and is ranked second in the team for scoring and assists. Ben has developed into a respected leader, supporting the development of younger guards training alongside him. Headed to California, Ben will be attending Cuesta College, home of the Cougars.

Xavier has come along in leaps and bounds over the last few years. He was selected into the U18-1 Boys in 2018 as forward in an undersized age group. As Xavier developed playing in the U21-1s in 2019, his game expanded with an altered role. He has worked incredibly hard at training and on his own, developing into a unique talent known for his 3-point shooting, athletic dunks and improved 1:1 defense. Xavier’s hard work was also rewarded with an opportunity to represent Victoria at the School Sport Australian U18 National Championships where he earned a bronze medal. Xavier departs for Neosho Community College in Kansas to represent the Panthers.

James rejoined Ringwood in 2021 after a few years away from the Club. Previously having played U16 and U18s with Matt Roberts and Kaide Fittolani, James has added depth and experience off the bench this season. The forward’s work ethic is excellent, is able to guard guys in the post much bigger than him, and stretches the floor with very reliable perimeter shooting. James has already completed two-years at the College of the Siskiyous (California), and will continue his collegiate journey in Boston at the University of Massachusetts with the Beacons.

Whilst it is disappointing we are not able to give Ben, Xavier and James the acknowledgement and send-off they deserve in person, we are right behind ensuring everyone is able to return to the court safely (covid free). Rest assured that Ben, Xavier and James know how proud their coaches, teammates and entire Hawks community are of them, and wish them nothing but the best in their academic and athletic journeys ahead. We will be watching and cheering from afar and look forward to your return to the green and white in 2022.