SCHOOL BASKETBALL STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

More than 200 young basketball stars from across the state will descend on Cairns this week to compete in the Queensland School Sport 18 years and under Basketball Championships.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Bendigo Bank Basketball Complex would host the four-day championships from Thursday 19 July to Sunday 22 July.

“The championships will play out in a round robin style for the first two days, the semi-finals will then be held on Saturday and the grand-finals on Sunday,” Mr Welford said.

"I'd like to congratulate all competitors for their achievement in representing their regions, and wish them every success at the championships.

"This event provides a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.

“I have no doubt some of these students will follow in the footsteps ofPeter Crawford, of the Townsville Crocodiles and Perth Wildcats NBL and Michaela Dalgleish of the Canberra Capitals WNBL, who both played in these championships before launching their professional careers.”

Ten sporting regions will be represented— Capricornia, Darling Downs, Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, Northern, Wide Bay, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Mr Welford thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who had worked hard to make the championships a success.

A state team consisting of up to 12 girls and 12 boys will be selected to compete at the School Sport Australia National Championships, which will also be held in Cairns in August.