Three rising stars from Mackay, Isabel Smith, Lily Mapp and Eden Catip, have been invited to attend the U15 Australia Camp from October 1-3. This selection places them among the elite young athletes in the country, as they vie for a spot in the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup team.

The camp, part of Basketball Australia’s pathway program, aims to identify and develop the next generation of basketball talent. Athletes selected for this camp have shown exceptional skill, dedication and potential, making this opportunity a significant milestone in their young careers.

Isabel, Lily, and Eden, all currently part of Mackay’s U16 squad, will have the chance to train alongside the best in the nation, under the guidance of top coaches. This experience will not only test their abilities but also offer them insights into the level of competition and commitment required to succeed at the international level.

The invitation to the camp is a testament to the strength of the basketball program in Mackay and the hard work put in by both players and coaches. It also highlights the potential for regional athletes to make their mark on the national stage.

Rob Grieve, Mackay Basketball’s Player & Coach Development Manager, spoke to the importance of these selections.

“Mackay Basketball has a strong legacy of developing Australian representatives, including Sandy Brondello, Marianna Tolo, Todd Blanchfield, Clint Steindl, and most recently, Monique Bobongie.

“These three players invited to the U15 Australia Camp have a chance to build on that legacy and hopefully inspire the next generation of young ballers to work hard and pursue their dreams.

“Hopefully the girls enjoy the experience of testing themselves against the best players in Australia, make the most of the opportunity to learn from national-level coaches, and gain a better understanding of areas of their game that they need to work on to succeed at the national level.

“This camp is just another step in their journey to become the best they can be. After this camp, these girls will pivot their focus to bringing an U18 State Championship home to Mackay in January 2025, and no doubt will also be hoping to earn a spot in the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes NBL1 team in 2025.”

This opportunity is expected to accelerate the development of these young athletes, providing them with the skills and experience necessary to take their game to the next level. For Mackay Basketball, having three players invited to such a prestigious camp is a source of immense pride and a clear indicator of the club’s success in nurturing talent.

As these young athletes prepare for the camp, the entire Mackay community will be cheering them on, hopeful that their hard work and dedication will lead to selection for the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup team.