SCHOOL BASKETBALL STARS GEAR UP FOR NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Almost 300 young basketball stars from across the country are converging on Cairns this week to compete in the School Sport Australia 12 years-and-under and 18 years-and-under Basketball Tournaments.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Bendigo Bank Basketball Complex would host the week-long tournament from Tuesday 14 August to Monday 20 August.

“The tournament will play out in a round robin format with the semi-finals being held on Sunday and the grand-finals on Monday,” Mr Welford said.

“I want to congratulate each of the players on their selection and wish them every success in representing Queensland.

“Being selected in a state team is a significant achievement and each of these young people should feel very proud.

“I have no doubt some of these students will follow in the footsteps offellow Queenslanders,Scott Cook of the Cairns Taipans and Rebecca Miles of the Townsville Fire, who played in this tournament before launching their professional careers.”

Seven states and territories will be represented at the tournament – Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

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

"It's a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from interstate,” he said.

“I wish them an enjoyable tournament, both on and off the court.”

Twelve boys and 12 girls from the 18 years-and-under age group will be selected to take part in a national tour to the United States in December.

The selected Queensland teams for this week’s tournament are as follows:

12 years-and-under