Basketball

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:23): Today I rise to bring to the attention of the house the South Australian Basketball Club's achievements at the Kumon National Junior Classic. On Friday 10 June 2022, some of the best teams from across Australia travelled to Victoria to compete in the National Junior Classic. The classic is widely considered to be the most prestigious invite-only junior basketball tournament in the country.

Indeed, to qualify for the classic, all South Australian division 1 teams for all age groups must compete in the state basketball championships held on 12 May. South Adelaide Panthers division 1 under 12 boys and under-12 girls teams both attended the competition this year. The under 12 girls had a fantastic weekend, winning all their games by an average of 39 points before the grand final.

On grand final day, the girls beat the Bearcats by three points to claim the SA Junior Championships. This is a remarkable achievement for the team and the club. This was the club's first state championship win in all age groups since 2002. In doing so, the girls secured their invitation to the National Junior Classic.

The under 12 boys managed to win all their games by an average of 19 points in the lead-up to the grand final. On grand final day, the boys were neck and neck with their opponents, the Rockets, all game, and lost by only seven points. The boys were not down on spirit, however, as finishing second in the state guaranteed their invitation also to the National Junior Classic. Both teams had fantastic success in the SA Junior Championships and, now, an even bigger challenge awaited them to test themselves against some of the best basketball teams in the country at the National Junior Classic.

The South Adelaide Panthers division 1 under 12 boys coach, Josh Kelly, and under-12 girls coach, Jarrod Clarke, knew they would have to prepare for the different playing styles of the interstate teams. Victorian teams are known for their aggressive and physical basketball. Before travelling, the coaches did a phenomenal job ensuring the teams were ready and playing their best basketball. In the gold medal match to compete for the top spot in the country, the boys were with the Casey Cavaliers all game, but unfortunately lost by 20 points. The Panther boys should hold their heads high, making history for the South Adelaide Basketball Club by winning its first ever medal at the national tournament.

The girls' grand final was tight for the entire game, another nailbiter, with the girls losing by only two points, placing second overall. These are the Panthers' first medals at classics and a phenomenal achievement for the teams and the club. Making a division 1 team at a district basketball club is not an easy thing to do. Many basketball players never represent their club at a division level. For a division 1 team to classify for classics and to finish in the top two in the country is a truly remarkable achievement. For both teams from the South Adelaide Basketball Club to do this makes it all the more special.

I would like to congratulate the following people on their efforts and success at the state SA Junior Championships and the Kumon National Junior Classic. South Adelaide Panthers, division 1, under 12 boys players: Leo Clarke; Edward Whitehouse; Bowen Hibberd; Jarvis Knights; Colby Stewart; Baxter McDonald; Darcy Fishpool; Lucas Wakelin; Axl Britton; and head coach, Josh Kelly; assistant coach, Will Evans; and team manager, Mike Whitehouse. South Adelaide Panthers, division 1, under-12 girls players: Elle Weatherald; Brooke Weatherald; Summer Robinson; Rosie Munn; Tamia Merrill; Emily Martin; Georgia Davison; Elise Chua; Georgie Thur; and head coach, Jarrod Clarke; and assistant coach, Richard Dickel.

No South Adelaide Basketball Club team has ever made it into the grand final for the classic, let alone have two teams win a silver medal in one year. It is a reflection of the hard work of the team, togetherness and determination by all. I am sure that these are the first of many medals that the Panthers will claim in coming years.

I cannot finish without giving a special mention to the under 14 boys who finished eighth in the classic tournament. I will also be thinking of you in the lead-up to the under 14 national club championships held at the end of term 3 school holidays in Victoria.

The South Adelaide Panthers have come in leaps and bounds as a club in the last decade. They have emerged as one of the powerhouse junior clubs in South Australia, and even Australia. This is a testament to the large group of volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to make the South Adelaide Panthers the best basketball club it can be. Thank you to all coaches, volunteers, players and parents. You are representing the mid-southern area with great pride and excellence.