Basketball Australia U18 Nationals, Kevin Coombs Cup live stream: Dart sisters making big impression (U18 & Kevin Coombs Nationals)

Lil Dart was one of the standout performers at the U20 nationals, now younger sister Alice is looking to make an impression for Queensland South. Catch 119 games LIVE from the U18 event.

Sibling rivalry is something Alice Dart embraces.

With older sister, Lil, enjoying success over the past few years, both in basketball and netball, Alice has made it a mission to follow suit.

Luckily, in the best way possible.

“It’s not too bad following in Lil’s footsteps,” she said.

“She’s been pretty successful over the years.”

Alice is part of the Queensland South girls side looking to break a 42-year title drought at the U18 basketball nationals and Kevin Coombs Cup in Brisbane from next Saturday night.

SEE THE FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE BELOW

Thirty teams from across Australia will battle it out for national glory, with all 119 matches live streamed on KommunityTV. Queensland begin their campaign next Sunday at 3pm (AEST) on Court 1 at the home of the Northside Wizards at Southpine against South Australia Metro.

Lil produced one of the best individual games of the recent U20 national tournament in Geelong, scoring 29 points, pulling down nine rebounds and producing five assists in the bronze medal-winning game against Western Australia.

Alice sees her sister’s talent as an advantage to her own game.

“There is not too much sibling rivalry unless we are playing one-on-one,” she said.

Alice Dart can’t wait for the U18 nationals to get underway.

“We won the national championship with this team two years ago, so definitely aiming to win gold this year,” she said.

“It’s great to have someone as competitive as Lil to train with and learn from.”

Alice Dart has her eyes on the big prize.

After winning the 2021 national championships as an U16 side, and with many of the same players backing up in this tournament, the pressure is on for a home town victory.

But game play is just one key to creating a gold-worthy team, and these young guns know all about the other main quality.

“We are an extremely close knit group and I believe that is why we have been so successful in the past,” Dart said.

“We have been training and playing really hard for the past few months and I am really excited to see our hard work pay off.

“It’s been really positive.”

It’s the team environment Dart says excites her most about playing.

“I thrive off being in a team environment,” she said.

“It’s all about the hard work you put in together as a team, the fun you have off the court and the relationships you develop over the years.”

With the competition fast approaching, Dart is focusing on personal preparation: the classic ‘practice makes perfect.’

“I have been working really hard in the gym trying to build up my strength and conditioning, but now I am mainly just focusing on getting lots of shots up, trying to shoot at least once a day,” she said.

Superstitions? Alice has a few before, and during, every major game.

Lil Dart is taking huge strides.

... but she’s also good at netball.

“I have to wear my hair in a high bun with the same three hair ties and pink ribbon,” she said.

“And I need to make the first shot I take of the game.”

The many months of pre-season training is sure to give Dart an upper hand when it comes time to show off against the best in the country.

And along with the support of family and friends, she is definitely one to keep an eye on.

“My rep and state coaches over the years have taught me so much and have helped me become the person and player I am today,” she said.

“My family also always make sacrifices to enable me to be the best player possible.”