Tryouts encouraged for Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association’s under-16, under-18 divisions

Despite the popularity of Geraldton basketball’s junior divisions, in the higher age groups it can still be tough to put a team on the court, a top club official says.

There are waiting lists for many of the junior grades, with aspiring basketballers turned away because there are not enough resources for the demand. But in higher age divisions players are always needed and people are encouraged to try out, Pumas vice-president Corina Smith said. “It’s more about skill and technique in the younger grades and as they get older they bring that to the competition,” Smith said.

“There’s competition at the end (for the older grades) so they want to make it, and they try their best.

“The main aim is to play as a team and win the game as a team.

“The kids we do have are committed and love what they do.

“We encourage people if they do want to sign up, especially for those (older) age groups.”

While the very junior divisions were more about player development and up to a certain level did not have scores recorded or finals series, the older grades had finals and many achievements and trophies that could be won, Smith said.

Smith was taking charge of an under-16 girls’ Pumas side on the day, filling in for regular coach Emily Greyson. The side won 35-13 against Olympians.

In other junior action, Trades White went down to Pumas by a single point in an enthralling, end-to-end under-14 boys’ match.