Congratulations to the Open Girls Basketball Team – Basketball NSW Division 3 Open Girls State Champions

It is with great pride that I want to congratulate the Open Schoolgirls Basketball team on their outstanding achievement in winning the NSW open Basketball Schools State Title. 

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the entire team comprised students from Years 8 to 10, competing against older opponents from Years 11 and 12.  

Coaching this exceptional group of young athletes has been a privilege.  Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork, both on and off the court, have been truly commendable.  The team consistently demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence throughout the tournament. 

The girls played with attacking flare and strong defence throughout the two days and came away with a win in their opening round fixture in a hard fought and bruising encounter, coming away eventual winners 29-28 against St Paul’s Grammar school. 

in their second game, after a slow start the girls came away eventual winners 37-11 against Penrith Selective High School. 

In the third game the girls played an exciting and dominant game against Plumpton High School winning 41-25. 

For the fourth and final group game the girls played an exciting and see-sawing contest against St Philips Christian College Newcastle, where the girls displayed great defensive efforts under fatigue and athleticism and skill in attack, however St Philips Christian College Newcastle came away eventual winners 17-14. 

The team’s journey to the title was nothing short of inspiring.  After a narrow loss earlier in the final game, they earned a place in the grand final replay against St Philip’s Christian College, Newcastle.  Demonstrating resilience and determination, the girls regrouped, refocused, and delivered a commanding performance to secure a 26–14 victory and claim the State Title.  

Adele Whitehouse-Miotto, Makayla Quillan & Callie Gillard
Charlotte Cooper & Sienna Cooper
Colbie McCabe & Ava Gillard
Callie Gillard shooting
Free throw by Charlotte Cooper
Charlotte Cooper
Sienna Cooper
Makayla Quillan
Jump Ball by Callie Gillard
Grand Final Result

A sincere thank you to Mrs Denise Ryan for her support and assistance throughout the Tournament.  Her contributions played an important role in the team’s success and are deeply appreciated. 

Thank you to each player for your hard work and unwavering support.  This title is a testament to your efforts and a moment of pride for our entire school community. 

Laurent Gonfond
Coach