LSS nominees Punchbowl Boys High go for gold in basketball
Punchbowl Boys High School’s Pioneers team are flying high heading into the finals of the Sydney South West Open Boys Basketball Championships.
PUNCHBOWL Boys High School’s Pioneers team are flying high heading into the finals of the Sydney South West Open Boys Basketball.
The Pioneers won all their games to make it into the final eight — from 41 teams — and are only the second team in the school history to make it this deep into the competition.
They are this week’s Canterbury Bankstown Express nominees for the Team of Excellence in our Local Sports Stars Awards.
The team and its success is all due to the Punchbowl Pioneers Elite Basketball program started by coach Joseph De Guia, who has transformed the school’s fortunes on the court.
De Guia and his wife also provide lunches to those players who need it, building up a cohesive unit and team spirit.
The team includes Malek El Mourad, Fady Rifai, Austin Leo Fanovaha, Theodore Tavete, Khaled Osmani and Amer Ghazzaoui.
Joint coach Francis Floresca said all players have immense pride in their team and have overcome setbacks for their best season to date.
“The boys train one to two times a week with De Guia,” Floresca said.
“The boys work hard to make sure that they can outwork and outlast every team they face in school, zone and regional tournaments.
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“The boys enjoy a high sense of camaraderie and are proud to represent their school.
“Ever since the program began, the Pioneers have also excelled in other aspects of their school life.”
■There are four categories in the awards: Team of Excellence, Juniors Sports Star Individual, Inspiration Awards and Service to Sport.
■ Nominate a sports star now at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal
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