New South Wales young talent shines for Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships

A strong NSW contingent has led the charge for Australia at the FIBA U15s Oceania Championships in Guam, with six players shining in the green and gold on the big stage.

A STRONG New South Wales contingent has led Australia to a double golden success at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships in Guam.

Both the boys and girls national teams went through their respective tournaments undefeated, with the two prevailing over New Zealand in their finals to win gold.

The U15s girls had a strong local flavour with five representatives from NSW, with the charge led by Bankstown guard Jessie-May Hall.

Jessie-May Hall in action for Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships. Picture: FIBA

The young talent was named in the All-Star Five on the back of averages of 25 points and almost seven steals per game.

Norths guard Ruby Perkins played a complete tournament, putting up impressive numbers of 9.7 points, four rebounds, four assists and six steals per contest.

Ruby Perkins in action for Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships. Picture: FIBA

Albury centre Jade Crook stuffed the stat sheet against New Zealand in the group phase, with eight points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

It was a very solid tournament for Penrith’s Zoe Jackson, averaging eight points, almost six rebounds and two blocks, while Hornsby player Lucy Mead’s six points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists proving valuable for Australia.

Zoe Jackson in action for Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships. Picture: FIBA

Lachlan Clague was the sole representative from NSW in the U15s Australian side that also came away with the top prize.

Throughout the pool and finals phase, the Hornsby junior averaged 8.4 points and five rebounds per game at an incredible shooting percentage of 94.7 per cent from the field.

His best outing came against Samoa, scoring 22 points (10/11 FG) and bringing down eight boards.

Lachlan Clague in action for Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15s Championships. Picture: FIBA

Prior to the tournament, NewsLocal looked in-depth at the six NSW representatives who lined up for their country.

Jade Crook. Photo: Narelle Spangher

JADE CROOK

Club: Albury

Position: Power forward

The only country representative from NSW, Crook adds plenty of height at the 6’2 range. Has been doing some training with the NBL1 Bandits and the likes of Lauren Jackson. Has the potential to keep moving forward, and is a committed girl that understands the game. Has been overseas to a WNBA Academy camp.

Jessie-May Hall. Photo: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW

JESSIE-MAY HALL

Club: Bankstown

Position: Guard

A super athletic kid who is one of the best players in Australia for her age. The Indigenous talent has a wealth of potential, is quick, skilled and puts in a lot of effort. Strong in all facets of the game like dribbling, guarding and defending the floor, Hall has the potential to be a future Opal.

Zoe Jackson. Photo: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW

ZOE JACKSON

Club: Penrith

Position: Power forward/Centre

Stands at about 6’3 and is a tremendous shot blocker, as well as being able to work the low post. Growing into her body and her length is a strength with the way she plays the game. A presence inside, Jackson also has some guard skills and is quite versatile for a big.

Ruby Perkins. Photo: Narelle Spangher

RUBY PERKINS

Club: Norths

Position: Point guard

A crafty player who understands the game really well. Can penetrate with the basketball and a girl who can knock a shot down if left open. Leads the team around the court and makes sure everybody knows what they’re supposed to be doing.

Lucy Mead. Photo: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW

LUCY MEAD

Club: Hornsby

Position: Guard/Forward

One of the main strengths of Mead’s game is her ability to penetrate to the basket. A bit of a slashing type player who can play anywhere from one to four. If she has to dribble the ball up the floor or rebound, she can. Can adapt to a number of roles.

Lachlan Clague. Photo: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW

LACHLAN CLAGUE

Club: Hornsby

Position: Centre

Stands at close to 6’10 and is a huge presence inside. A left-hander which can be rare for bigs. Can block shots but also has the ability to step outside and knock down a shot. Can bring his player outside and take them off the dribble. Has good guard-related skills and will cause some damage.