- Sydney teenager breaks Aussie French Open droughtPosted 261 days ago
- Daniel ‘inline’ to lead sport’s charge in AustraliaPosted 262 days ago
- Australian Gems choose final squad for world championshipsPosted 265 days ago
- Aussie riders gearing up for assault on world championshipPosted 268 days ago
- Aussie teams set for Oceania basketball championshipsPosted 271 days ago
- Australia names its five for U18 3X3 world championshipsPosted 281 days ago
- Fab 14 to represent Australia at Youth Games in BahamasPosted 281 days ago
- Australian Gems squad cut ahead of world championshipsPosted 284 days ago
- Rising Firebird ready to soar with national U21 teamPosted 284 days ago
- Netball Australia names high-performance junior squadsPosted 291 days ago
Townsville to host national U18 basketball titles
- Updated: August 10, 2016
BASKETBALL Australia has announced the Australian Under-18 Junior Championship and Kevin Coombs Cup will be held in Townsville next year from April 8-15.
While the Under-18 Champs will return to the north-east city of Queensland for the first time since 2004, it will be the first time that the Kevin Coombs Cup will be held in Queensland, a tournament which provides the only opportunity for junior wheelchair basketball athletes to represent their state in a national competition.
“This is a very exciting time for Townsville Basketball and also the Townsville region,” said Townsville Basketball Development Manager, Greg Vanderjagt.
“North Queensland has developed so many talented junior players and it’s a huge reward for this year’s group to be able to display their talents on our country’s biggest junior stage right in their own back yard in front of friends and family.
“Hosting the Helloworld AJC’s and Kevin Coombs Cup will also provide a huge boost for the Townsville economy. April is a great time of year to visit the city and we hope to see a lot of families from all over Australia enjoy our hospitality.”
With a large sporting precinct, the two competitions will be held at Townsville Stadium and Star FM Townsville Stadium which are both located within the Murray Sporting Complex.
Queensland North will be aiming to restore success to their teams in front of a home crowd after the Under-18 women last lifted the trophy in 2013 while the men have not won the title since 2004.
The state has had more success in the Kevin Coombs Cup though, with a representative team winning the Championship in 2014 and 2015.
“Townsville produced a great tender and we are very excited to be returning there,” said Basketball Australia’s General Manager Competitions, Paul Maley.
“North Queensland is a fantastic breeding ground for basketball talent, not least of which is evidenced by the back-to-back WNBL Champions, Townsville Fire.
“Importantly for the people of Townsville who have shown themselves to be avid supporters of our game, this is a great opportunity to come along and see the best junior talent in the country.
“The Under-18’s and Kevin Coombs Cup are a crucial piece of the high performance pathway.
“North Queenslanders Marianna Tolo and Aron Baynes are currently representing Australia at the Olympics after playing Under-18’s in 2003 and 2005 respectively while several members of the recent Under-17 gold medal winning Australian Sapphires team will compete in Townsville.”
Source: Basketball Australia
