Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder’s next generation will be on show at the under-18 club championships.
Under-18s girls coach Megan Jarvis said it was an immense honour and privilege to qualify for the championships which includes 40 clubs from across Australia.
“The girls have demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance, earning them a well-deserved spot in this prestigious tournament,” she said.
“This achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time a girls’ team from Keilor has qualified for the club championships.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude and look forward to competing with the best in the country.”
To qualify for the tournament the Thunder needed to finish in the top three in the National Junior Classic.
It finished fifth but two teams weren’t able to make the club championships, so the Thunder was invited.
Jarvis said much of the team had been together for a number of years.
“We have such a fantastic team of under-18 representative players, not only for their impressive basketball skills but also for their wonderful camaraderie.
“These girls are unwaveringly committed to improving their game and constantly strive for excellence.
“Their bond extends beyond the court, always supporting each other and sharing many laughs along the way.
“Five of our players, namely Amy Cullen, Amy Willoughby, Hayley Courts, L’oreal Hiko and Zara Cheel, have been playing together since the under-12s.
“Chiara Cuzzilla joined the team during the under-16s season. This season, we welcomed Alyssa Rodriguez, Audrey Li, Jana Marinkovic, Maddison Brady and Orla McMahon to our team.
“Having the opportunity to coach the girls this season and some of these girls over time has been a truly rewarding experience for me.”
For Jarvis and some of the girls it’s their chance of redemption
In 2020, the under-14.1 girls team which was coached by Jarvis were on their way to making the club championships when Covid hit and they weren’t able to attend.
“To be able to make club championships in under-18s is truly special,” she said.
“I am so grateful to Basketball Australia for running this tournament so our girls can take part in and experience a tournament at an extremely high level.”
Amy Cullen, who has played all her basketball at Keilor, said it feels surreal to get the opportunity to play with the best clubs from all over the country.
“Especially with a group of girls who are some of my closest lifelong friends,” she said. “Personally, I am very optimistic about this tournament, especially with the potential and talent myself and all the girls can bring together,
“I’m going to work very hard and so will all the other girls leading up to September.”
Hayley said having missed out in 2014 it’s pretty special to attend this year. Hayley is part of Keilor’s youth league side as well having started playing at Keilor at bottom age under-12s.
“Hopefully we can take the championship out, but looking at it as a great experience as a team and an individual to witness-play against the best of the best of all the U18 clubs around Australia
Maddison said she was proud, nervous and excited for the event.
She has been at Keilor since 2022 having played her junior basketball at Melton.
“I’m hoping to make some great memories, gain experience and win for Keilor.”
For some of the girls it’s their last opportunity to participate in a junior tournament of this scale.
Jarvis said they want to ensure that it’s not just a tournament, but a memorable experience that they will cherish
“Undoubtedly, our primary goal for the club championships is to clinch the gold. “However, our ambitions extend beyond just winning. We aim to refine our skills, striving to become the best basketball players we can be, both on and off the court. We believe in developing our players to their full potential, and this tournament provides an excellent platform for that.”
The Thunder under-18s are one of two Thunder sides to qualify for the club championships this year, with the under-14.1 boys to compete in that event.
