National Indigenous Basketball Tournament 2023

Penrhos College is thrilled to share that Year 9 students, GRACE DIMER and MICHELLE NINYETTE were recently selected to represent Western Australia for the U14s National Indigenous Basketball Tournament. After a sixweek rigorous selection process, attending multiple training camps which included coaching from professional American basketball coaches, and many meetings, the girls made their way to the Gold Coast in May to compete.

Showing fierce competition on the court and contributing to every game, the girls helped bring their team to victory, taking home the gold medal for Western Australia.

Both Grace and Michelle participated in whole process from initial try outs, attending the media day to receive their state uniforms and press photo shoots – a full, professional-level experience!

The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Own your story’ and focussed on culture and connection. Grace said that a significant moment for her was learning the cultural dances for the Opening Ceremony, adding that during the Torres Strait Islanders’ dance “it was incredible, you could even feel the ground shaking”

The girls also had the opportunity to participate in many cultural workshops, team building exercises and sessions that bonded them with students across the country. A highlight session for the girls was called ‘Her time to play’ which was an insightful discussion panel with International Player Natalia Andre, Australian Basketballer Abby Cubillo, Aunty Kay Zaro OAM, Memorie Taylor and Mel Cooper OLY.

Grace and Michelle were also excited to attend a keynote session from NBA player, Patty Mills where he spoke about how to own your story and stay grounded. This session really helped the girls calm down before the competition and reminded them to stay in control of the game. Afterwards, he wrote an individual letter to each participant, which felt so surreal.

Western Australia was also the only team who painted up for the Grand Final. Grace said it really gave them all more confidence and they took to the court feeling really proud!

We spoke to Grace about her highlights and key takings from the competition, she said

“I think the Indigenous Basketball Association is great because a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids struggle to fit in, and it provides a strong platform to help us achieve our dreams.

The sportsmanship we learnt was important. When we were playing a team that had less experience, our coach gave us special rules such as not blocking when they drive and no stealing the ball, and to help them up if they get knocked down. This meant that even though we won, they had a better chance against us and scored the highest number of points across the tournament.

When they announced Western Australia as the winner, I felt so happy and so relieved. Last year we got into the semi-finals but lost which was heartbreaking. When it was official, I ran to my friend who I have played WABL with growing up, I knew it meant just as much to her because we had always been second!”