The 2024 U14 boys season started with a team building hike up Mount Lofty with the aim to establish team values and non-negotiables and set some goals we would look to achieve over the upcoming months. The goals were unanimous and included being the best defensive team in the state, finish top 3 at state championships and qualify for National Junior Classics (NJC) and Australian Club Championships. I am happy to advise that we achieved all these goals including winning the bronze medal at the NJC in Melbourne which is a first for a boys’ team in my time at the club.
A significant fundraising group effort was now required, and this included countless BBQ’s, Chocolate Boxes, Norwood Towels, Jibbitz & Keyrings, Lucky squares, Silent Auctions, Wine drives and Bingo nights we reached our fundraising goal which is a credit to our amazing parent group, and we thank all our sponsors and everyone who contributed.
There was a 7-week gap after the end of the season, but the boys continued to work and completed additional trainings, skill sessions at Lab 46, warm up and recovery sessions and numerous scrimmages against a range of different opponents. By the 20th of September we were ready to go!
Day 1 was Media Day which was a first for most of the boys and included a Team Training, Team Photos and the Opening Ceremony which was fantastic with the boys really representing the club well.
On Day 2 we began our group stage, and it was important to finish top of the group to ensure we had the best possible draw moving forward. Game 1 was against the Bulleen Boomers (Vic) who we had played previously at the NJC, and the boys came out on fire leading by 20 points and cruising to an easy win 53-46. Game 2 was against Darwin who were a bit of an unknown and the boys may have taken them a bit lightly. Darwin shot the ball exceptionally well early, and we found ourselves down in the first half. After making some defensive adjustments at half time were able to lock them down defensively leading to easy transition buckets. We eventually got on top and were able to hang on for a 60-56 win.
Day 3 group stages continued with Game 3 against the Southwest Metro Pirates (Qld). We knew the Pirates would be lightning quick, well drilled and our biggest challenge so far. After another slow start we found ourselves behind again early and in heavy foul trouble at half time. We ramped up our defence in the second half with some clarification from the officials and got back in the game by executing our game plan to perfection. The turning point in the game was an unlikely 3-point shooter banking a massive shot and the celebration to go with it really inspired the team to a comfortable 70-54 win and a top place finish in our group and a guaranteed top 12 finish.
Day 4 was the first day of crossovers and we were scheduled to come up against Canberra and their 205cm 13-year-old. Unfortunately, we were unable to contain the giant early and he was using his height to his advantage. At the other end we couldn’t make a shot and found ourselves down by 16 points with 3:44 remaining. Basketball is a funny game though and the resilience and heart of this group should never be questioned. As usual our defensive intensity ramped up and suddenly, our shots started to fall with the pressure building on Canberra. The final minute was a bit of a blur, but we were able to steal the ball and get a transition basket, a quick foul stopped the clock. We rebounded the missed free throw leading to a transition 3-point shot to tie the game. We then somehow managed to steal the inbounds pass and then we sealed it at the free throw line 68-67 in one of the best comebacks I have been a part of.
After the excitement of the previous game, we then had a quick turnaround against Hornsby Ku Ring Gai Spiders (NSW). This game we came out firing and were up by 20 early in the second quarter. By this time fatigue was starting to set in and we eventually ran out winners 69-61. Time for some well-earned recovery with the next game being the Quarter Finals.
Day 5. We faced off against the Perry Lakes Hawks (WA) in the Quarter Finals and unfortunately, we would be without some key personnel due to illness with others being unwell through the night and remaining bedridden leading up to the game. It was a massive effort just to get 8 players suited up and the boys were really driven to do well. We started the game on a 10-0 run and led 18-4 at quarter time and would not be caught going on to win 57-48. The game reminded me of the 1997 Jordan Flu game where the team had nothing left in the tank but managed to play and get over the line with heart and determination and with significant contributions from everyone playing their role. The opposition coach complimented the teams defence and said it was the best they had played against, and they had already played against eventual winner Casey which is a credit to the boys. With this win the boys had a guaranteed top 4 finish and on to the Semi Finals.
We would go on to lose the remaining 2 games to North Bears (NSW team who we beat at NJC) and Keilor (Vic team who we led at half time) and finish 4th out of 25 teams. Even though we had plenty of excuses we were beaten by the better and stronger team on the day I was extremely proud of the effort and resilience that the boys showed in these games to never give up especially with our backs against the wall and under challenging circumstances.
While it was a tough finish to the week and disappointing not to get a medal, the boys had a fantastic tournament finishing as the 4th best team in Australia and the highest placed South Australian team. It was also the best result for an U14 Norwood team at the Australian Club Championships in the club’s history which is an amazing effort and something the boys should be very proud of.
We are incredibly grateful for the all the fantastic support we received from friends and family across the weekend which I know the boys really appreciated. The boys represented the club with pride with the way they played and always sporting the red & blue norwood clothing which really stood out at the Opening and Closing Ceremony.
We had a great parent group with nightly shared meals a highlight from Sofia’s massive servings to BBQs in the communal area. Birthdays both actual and pretend and the ever-reliable Notting Hill hotel on the corner.
Overall, the boys came together as a group over the week with team camaraderie being excellent on and off the court with everyone contributing. While they excelled at having fun, they also pushed each other to execute when required and the leadership across the board really developed as the week progressed. The Recovery pool sessions, massages, stretching, and ice baths were beneficial, and the bus rides were filled with poor singing and many laughs as good relationships were built and who could forget the movie ‘Beetlejuice.’
The boys should be extremely proud of their efforts and the way they represented themselves, the club, and their families. I hope they had a wonderful experience and have made lifelong friends and memories, something they will remember for years to come.
Award Winners
Most Consistent – Ryder McNamara
Most Improved – Max Lin
Perpetual Most Promising Forward – Tyler Biscette
Team
10 Max Rossetto (VC)
11 Oliver Black
18 Ryder McNamara
20 Jye Huppatz (VC)
28 Gianluca Zuckermann
35 Alex Adol
36 Benjamin Searston
41 Tyler Biscette (C)
57 Elijah Libien-Reid
63 Max Lin
Coach: Ben Lomman
Assistant Coach: Paul Ferka
Assistant Coach: Kris Esposito
Assistant Coach: Shane Huppatz
Team Manager: Liana Huppatz
Physiotherapist/Nurse: Fiona Black
Social Media: Amanda Rossetto
