22 boys and girls teams from across the state are contesting the four-day tournament

A contingent of young players is proudly flying the flag for their region as they suit up for their very first appearance at the state champs. Read how a former Rockhampton basketball stalwart helped make it happen.

Zavier Wren and Dallas Gentles will be among the North West players competing for the first time at the Queensland sports basketball championships in Rockhampton.

Players from North West will hit the court for the first time at the Queensland Representative School Sport state 10-12 years basketball championships this week.

The region’s boys and girls teams will be among the 22 contesting the four-day event, which tipped off in Rockhampton on Thursday, June 6.

Peninsula, Northern, Capricornia, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Met North, Met East, Met West, South Coast and the Darling Downs will also be in action.

Players are vying for selection in the Queensland teams announced at the end of the tournament on Sunday.

Each team will play 11 games at the championships, to be held at Bravus Arena and The Cathedral College.

Trent Shillington, who was heavily entrenched in Rockhampton basketball, has been the driving force behind the formation of the newest rep outfits.

He moved to Barcaldine to take up the position of principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and began his quest to give the region’s youngsters a taste of the game he loves.

“I’ve been out here for three years and we’ve been working to get this going,” he said.

The North West girls 10-12 years basketball team.

“Previously I was in Rocky where I was heavily involved in basketball and I’ve been playing the sport since I was in Grade 4 so it’s very much in my blood.

“A lot of the kids out here haven’t had basketball before so to be able to offer it and say ‘Come and have a go and learn’ has been fantastic - and the kids have really enjoyed it too.”

Shillington will coach the girls and Michael Williams the boys.

He said it would be a fantastic experience for the North West players, who come from Blackall, Longreach, Barcaldine and Hughenden.

They also have several Capricornia players in their line-ups.

“It’s going to be pretty tough because these kids haven’t played at this level before but it’s going to be a great learning opportunity for them,” Shillington said.

“For them to see some of the talent from around the state and just watch those games will be an amazing thing for them.

“They’re all in the early stages of their basketball but they’re very keen to learn and eager to improve.”

The North West boys 10-12 years basketball team.

Championship convenor Murray Harch said it was exciting to have North West involved and for those students to get the chance to play at a higher level.

“It’s going to be a big and busy four days, with a lot of good basketball being played,” he said.

“Met East and South Coast are very dominant in both boys and girls.”

Harch said the Capricornia teams, coached by Mackay’s Jamie Novosel (boys) and Rockhampton’s Rachael Duncan (girls) would be keen for a strong showing.

“They’ve been training hard. It’s a big step up for them but they’ll give it everything and put their heart into it,” he said.

The last time Capricornia medalled at the state championships was in 2021, when the boys won bronze with Shillington as their coach.

Harch said it was not just the players who would be looking to impress.

“We have 25 student officials who will be refereeing, coming from across the state as well,” he said.

“They have a pathway as well with the chance to officiate at the nationals.”