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100 of Australia’s best young basketballers to watch in 2023

Australia’s reputation as an emerging basketball heavyweight is armed with a fleet of teens ready to prove it. Here are 100 talents to watch in 2023. SEE THE FULL LIST

Australia’s reputation as an emerging basketball powerhouse is now armed with a fleet of teens ready to prove it.

From one coast of the country to the other, this is the next generation of hoops stars ready to take another step towards fame in 2023.

Here are 100 rising basketball talents across Australia to keep an eye on.

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Tyson Crees, Qld

This guard has been involved in Far North basketball since under-12s, having represented Queensland North on a number of occasions.

The 15-year-old also attended the under-17 Crocs camp at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in early March in preparation for selection to the Australia men’s team going to the FIBA Asia Cup.

Isla Juffermans, ACT

A masterful 35-point performance in the decider of the Australian Schools Championships in December underlined the quality.

Juffermans’ effort helped Lake Ginninderra College to the girls’ crown, in turn ensuring the powerhouse became the first school since Queensland’s John Paul College in 2003 to claim gold medals in the men’s and women’s division finals.

Juffermans also added 29 rebounds in the 73-72 victory over Hillcrest Christian College.

Isla Juffermans was a star in 2022.
Isla Juffermans was a star in 2022.

Lily Milosevic, SA

The under-14 player has long been considered a star on the rise and she didn’t disappoint at the SA Junior Country Championships in March.

While the Great Southern Slammers fell 27-20 to Millicent Magic in the tournament final, Milosevic netted 13 points against Port Augusta in the qualifying rounds to underline her talent.

Liam Brady, NSW

Albury Cougars had Brady to thank as he topscored with 22 points in a gritty 78-69 grand final victory over Canberra in the Basketball NSW Southern Junior League.

With help from Sam Webb, Brady was able to steer his side to the boys’ Under-18 Division 1 crown to further reinforce his growing potential.

Teyahna Bond, Qld

Bond has already collected plenty of selections in her young tenure with Cairns Basketball.

The 15-year-old has played in the state championships since under-12s, is a member of Basketball Australia’s Natonal Performance Program (NPP) and was named to the Queensland North side for the upcoming under-18 national championships.

Darcy Bull, NSW

Bull has proven one to watch, thanks in part to her winning hand at the Basketball NSW Southern Junior League titles.

Competing in the under-18 girls’ competition, Bull’s 23 points helped Moss Vale Magic – who had only lost one game all season – to a 101-50 thumping of Wagga Blaze in April’s event.

Jack Tweedy, Qld

The Rockhampton Rockets gun ensured his powerhouse side surged to a 12-0 win-loss record across the Central Queensland under-16 Division 1 season.

Tweedy netted a season-high 25 points against Gladstone Power to prove he could be set for a shot at a higher level in 2023.

Rockhampton Rockets' under-16 player Jack Tweedy.
Rockhampton Rockets' under-16 player Jack Tweedy.

Ace Burgiel, Vic

Remember the name.

Burgiel scored nearly half of his team’s points as Maffra claimed Basketball Victoria’s Under 12 Junior Country Championships title.

It was a stunning 27-point display to lead his side to the division 1 crown – 62-40 over Mildura – to highlight Burgiel’s growing reputation as one to watch.

Mia Cox, Vic

Cox led the way with 15 points as Bendigo took out the division 1 girls title at Victoria’s Under-12 Junior Country Championships in April.

Colac stormed to a 45-13 win over Colac, largely thanks to Cox’s haul.

Belle Caughley, Qld

Caughley announced herself to Queensland basketball in 2022, leading all scorers in the Central Queensland under-16 Division 1 competition.

Her 20.4 points per game was highlighted by a 28-point haul against the mighty Rockhampton side.

Belle Caughley is a rising talent.
Belle Caughley is a rising talent.

Stephanie Nellen, Vic

Nellen was the star of the show with 16 points as Pakenham reached the grand final at April’s Under-14 Junior Country Championships in Victoria.

In a thrilling contest, Nellen’s contribution was telling as Pakenham sneaked to a 31-29 victory over Swan Hill in the semi-finals.

Maya Winiata, Qld

The young gun averaged 23.67 points per game for Westpac in the recent winter season of the Sunshine Coast Basketball Association under-16 girls’ competition.

That included a 45-point haul in one match.

Jaylen Mitchelhill, Qld

Townsville may no longer have a NBL side but it still has the talent.

Mitchelhill’s 16.25 point per game for Townsville Heat in the North Queensland under-14 Division 1 competition led the league.

His 30 points against Cairns Marlins proved his undeniable talent.

Jaylen Mitchelhill has been on the rise for Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Jaylen Mitchelhill has been on the rise for Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Zachary Chandra, Qld

It was the one-two performance that caught the eye – Chandra and Bronson Aparicio combined for 49 points to lead the South West Metro Pirates Red to a convincing 14-point victory over the Brisbane Capitals in January’s under-18 Queensland Championships.

The opening game of the tournament on the showcourt of the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre was a battle – from there Chandra (25 points) and Aparicio (24 points) did whatever they wanted on the offensive end for the Pirates.

Dash Daniels, Vic

From a talented family, Daniels led his Bendigo side to grand final glory at Victoria’s Junior Country Championships in February.

Landing some clutch free throws in overtime, Daniels helped the Bendigo’s under-16 boys Division 1 side to a 68-64 victory over Macedon Ranges.

In a rollercoaster contest which included double overtime, Bendigo prevailed thanks to Daniels and Seth Anderson (18 points).

Jemma Birss, Vic

Birss single-handedly matched Warrnambool’s score with 28 points in a dominant display at Victoria’s Junior Country Championships.

Competing in the under-18 girls’ Division 1 decider, Birss’ efforts ensured Sale claimed a 62-28 win over Warrnambool.

Ashley Centra, Chantelle James and Kyra Webb were also impressive in the win.

Gemma Cocks, SA

Led the girls’ under-16 competition for points per game for Eastern Hills at March’s SA Junior Country Championships (16.6ppg).

Throw in her average of 10 points per game for the under-18 squad and Cocks ensured she is a player to watch in 2023.

Jack Green, SA

Consistency and quality.

Green’s performance for Great Southern Slammers at the SA Junior Country Championships put his name up his lights.

His 18 points against Eastern Hills was backed up by 14 against Strathalbyn Storm and then 22 in the under-12 final against Eastern Hills again.

Max Connick is one to watch. Picture: Rob Leeson.
Max Connick is one to watch. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Max Connick, Vic

Connick’s 21 points in the final of Victoria’s Under-14 Junior Country Championships underlined why he is highly regarded.

Connick ensured his Bendigo side claimed a 60-39 victory over Ballarat at April’s titles.

He was Bendigo’s second leading scorer in the Victorian Junior Basketball League throughout the 2022 season with 138 points from 11 games.

Has also shown he can hit the three ball, as he proved at the under-14 Club Championships in Sydney.

Krystal Arnason, Vic

Korumburra coach Chloe Hogg was full of praise for his side as Arnason led the way in the under-16 girls Division 1 grand final at the Junior Country Championships in February.

Korumburra’s 49-45 win over Ballarat was a come from behind effort, spearheaded by Arnason’s 19 points.

“It was bloody awesome to see the girls continuously work hard,” Hogg said.

“They played six games of basketball over the weekend, it was amazing to watch.

“For the girls to show such amazing composure and hit big shots at 15 years of age is amazing.”

Delaney Walker, SA

Walker netted four points and eight points in the preliminary rounds for Eastern Hills of the under-12 girls’ Division 1 competition at March’s SA Junior Country Championships.

Then came the final. Her all-star 16-point blitz in the 40-32 victory over Riverland underlined her class.

Hudson Lindner, SA

How’s this for consistency? Lindner scored 20-plus points – including three games of exactly 20 points – in five of his six under-16 matches at March’s SA Junior Country Championships.

Impressed yet? Add in the fact he also lined up in five matches for Barossa Settlers Green’s under-18 side and he’s a real talent to watch.

Cleo Barbakas, Vic

In a team that put so much focus on the depth of its under-14 roster, it was hard to alienate any of the Nunawading Spectres squad above teammates.

But there was something undeniable about the way Barbakas went about her work at the Basketball Australia Girls Club Championships in Penrith in October.

The towering front court player imposed her size on every game Nunawading played in, most importantly the grand final, but it was her athleticism running the boards that impressed most. Was dominant under the rim and at the tip.

Nunawading Spectres' Valerija Ljubicic was one of the most comprehensive player across the nationals. Picture: Basketball Australia
Nunawading Spectres' Valerija Ljubicic was one of the most comprehensive player across the nationals. Picture: Basketball Australia

Valerija Ljubicic, Vic

A future star of the game, Ljubicic was impressive at both ends of the court as the Nunawading Spectres charged to a gold medal finish at October’s under-14 Girls Club Championships in Penrith.

Not afraid to draw a tough foul on the shooting end, Ljubicic came into her element as the stage got bigger through the tournament. She showed an impressive awareness on the defensive end, pulling in key interceptions and blocks through the tournament.

Hunter Press, SA

Press got better and better for Port Augusta at the under-18 SA Junior Country Championships.

While he couldn’t help his side to the final, he did grab 23.8 points per game including 27 against Millicent Magic and 28 a day later against Mount Gambier Lakers.

Keely Wiseman, SA

The Port Lincoln whiz launched her under-18 state titles in style with a 38-point haul against Mildura Heat.

Wiseman scored at least 16 points in every other fixture to finish as the Division 1 leading pointscorer – thus earning a growing reputation in basketball ranks.

Madison Ryan, Vic

Sandringham Sabres might have finished outside under-14 medal contention at the Basketball Australia Girls Club Championships in October, but they have found a big to rival the best up and comers in the country.

Ryan was unstoppable, imposing her presence on the front court for the Victorian outfit.

Not afraid to take an open look from deep, Ryan was incredible with the way she refused to give up on the play, constantly crashing the boards at both ends of the floor.

Olivia Olechnowicz of the Spartans. Picture: AAP Image/Jono Searle
Olivia Olechnowicz of the Spartans. Picture: AAP Image/Jono Searle

Olivia Olechnowicz, Qld

The Southern Districts guard was a defensive powerhouse at the under-14 Basketball Australia Girls Club Championships in October.

Her work off the ball, with sharp anticipation and speed across the paint, allowed her to continually smother opposition attacks and take time away from their shooters.

It didn’t stop her making an impact at the other end of the floor either, averaging 16 points a game to have her among the elite shooters of the tournament.

Liam Keogh, Vic

Was the second leading scorer among all players in the Victorian Junior Basketball League Boys Championship for Kilsyth this season with 215 points in 11 games.

Also has a fantastic ability to knock down a three ball.

Steven Hall, NSW

The Westfields Sports talent remains one to watch, a fact highlighted by his 37-point haul against The Southport School in the preliminary stages of the Basketball Australia Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.

Hall’s magic in the under-17 division put his name up in light as one to watch in 2023.

Jeda Hibbert, SA

Helped herself to a game-high 12 points in the Millicent Magic’s grand final victory at the SA Junior Country Championships in March.

The headline act capped a strong performance for Hibbert in the under-14 Division 1 competition.

Oliver Maxa, Vic

The Nunawading talent represented Victoria at the School Sport Australia under-12 titles and is no stranger to a high level of competition.

Casey Cavaliers’ Jordyn Philips puts in work on the defensive end. Picture: Basketball Australia
Casey Cavaliers’ Jordyn Philips puts in work on the defensive end. Picture: Basketball Australia

Jordyn Philips, Vic

The under-14 Casey Cavaliers guard was the sniper of the Girls Club Championships, finishing the week with an incredible record from beyond the arc.

Philips finished the week with 23 three-pointers, almost 10 more than the next best, and averaged a handy 12.25 points per game.

Isabel Smith, Qld

Smith didn’t just beat the opposition … she dominated them in 2022.

Her 242 points for the ladder-leading Mackay Meteorettes was more than 70 clear of the next best in the North Queensland under-14 girls’ Division 1 league.

Smith, who also starred at October’s under-14 Basketball Australia Girls Club Championships in Penrith, proved a model of consistency, a trait which will hold her in good stead for 2023.

Eliza Shanahan, Vic

One of the most prolific three-point shooters in the VJBL for Nunawading.

Shanahan is able to hurt opposition teams from deep when she’s at her best.

Annaleise Elliot, SA

The Flames guard certainly burned bright across the under-14 Basketball Australia Girls Club Championships in Penrith, earning a spot in News Corp’s starting five of the tournament.

She was a shining light for the Adelaide side who wasn’t afraid to scrap with defensive units to get control for her team.

Was impressive on goal, finishing among the tournament’s top scorers, and was a crucial piece of the Flames attack.

Olivia Pontes, Vic

The pocket rocket of the under-14 Melbourne Tigers outfit.

Worked skilfully alongside fellow Melbourne standout Olivia Kirkwood, to lead the Tigers’ attack at the Girls Club Championships.

Pontes used her blistering pace to counter brilliantly, and found the right option for the pass more often than not. Several slick moves to get the Tigers on the board in their bronze medal match.

Townsville's Clara Kolb with a customary one hand put back. Picture: Basketball Australia
Townsville's Clara Kolb with a customary one hand put back. Picture: Basketball Australia

Clara Kolb, Qld

The 13-year-old forward has made waves for Townsville Flames in 2022.

The young forward has been on the Queensland radar for several years after dominating the floor for Townsville.

She was again impressive throughout the back half of the under-14 Girls Club Championships in October to lead Townsville to the Shield gold medal clash.

Kolb finished the tournament with 96 points at an average of 12 per game.

Tessa Finch, Vic

A player who can do a bit of everything for the Sandringham Sabres.

Finch can score at will if needed but it’s her willingness to bring her teammates into the contest, which is fantastic to watch.

Keira Robinson, WA

Robinson was a standout for Western Australia side Warwick Senators which finished with the bronze medal in the Shield division at the under-14 Girls Club Championships.

Robinson was one of the tournament’s highest point scorers, averaging more than 14 points a game.

Briannha Drew, Vic

A star for Casey under-12 girls’ team, Drew led all scorers with 41 points in the Victorian Junior Basketball League earlier in 2022.

Her efforts were particularly memorable given Casey could only manage fifth place on the 10-team ladder.

Marianela Fakalata, Vic

Finished as Nunawading’s leading scorer with 164 points in the Victorian Junior Basketball League as the Spectres won the championship.

Fakalata also impressed at the National Junior Classic.

Blake Fido, WA

Fido has proven a rare talent at Willetton Senior High School.

An up-tempo and versatile combo guard who can rip a game open with his shooting.

Tristyn Ambrose-Pearce, Qld

From the powerful The Southport School nursery, the power forward/centre averaged 6.56ppg and 6.11rpg at the Australian Junior Championships.

The Darwin/NT junior is a developing big but has a really good basketball IQ. Does a lot of things for his teammates to make them better.

Bridgette Kata, Vic

Another rising star out of the Casey program, one of the state’s rapidly growing clubs.

Kata played a key role in the Cavaliers’ run to the Victorian Junior Basketball League grand final where they unfortunately went down to Nunawading.

Chloe Denney, Tas

The Northwest Tasmania Devils star helped herself to points galore in 2022.

This included a game-high 11 as she led her side to a 47-39 victory over Warwick in the Shield final of Australia Junior Championships under-14 competition.

Kaylani Duggan-Cole, NT

Lining up for Darwin-based TV Jets in the local competition, Duggan-Cole played for NT at 2021 and 2022 Under-16 Australian Junior Championships.

Jot the name down as one to watch in the future.

Kaylani Duggan-Cole. Picture: Basketball NT
Kaylani Duggan-Cole. Picture: Basketball NT

Krystal Thompson, SA

The under-16 talent enjoyed a breakout Australia Junior Championships which included a mighty 27-point effort in a losing cause against Queensland.

Is one to watch coming out the SA Country system.

Lily Mikic, Vic

A player who has proven she can score in different ways. Mikic was the Melbourne Tigers’ equal leading scorer in the VJBL this season.

Oscar Turale, Tas

Turale scored 420 points for the campaign as Launceston Lightning finished fourth in the under-14 boys championship Northern Conference.

Turale’s haul was almost 100 points clear of rivals.

Zane Miller, Vic

One of Kilsyth’s bigs to keep an eye on throughout 2023.

He has a fantastic ability to score in multiple ways, but is also a strong presence on the defensive end.

Lined up in Sydney’s Australian Under-14 Club Championships in September.

Millie Baker, Tas

Baker announced herself as a star to watch while owning the under-16 girls championship Northern Conference.

She hit a league-high 389 points for Burnie Tigers, who could only manage fourth in the six-team league despite their star act.

Greyson Boxhall, Tas

The Penguin Blues player dominated Basketball Tasmania’s under-12 boys championships’ Northern Conference.

His whopping 414 across the season was more than 100 clear of second-place, in turn helping his side to a perfect 15-0 campaign – including a 42-28 grand final victory.

Charlie Wilson, Vic

Played an important role in his Nunawading side’s run to the under-14 boys Victorian Championship title with an average of 26.8 points per game in the second phase of the competition.

Had a run earlier this year where he scored over 40 points in four straight games.

Jayden Cecil, Qld

Represented the Gold Coast Rollers under coach Karen Couch at the under-14 national championships and is a highly regard guard.

Another from the strong Gold Coast production line of talents.

Bianca Stasinowsky, SA

Immanuel College’s captain and star player who often leads the way for her school.

In just her first year attending Immanuel College, Stasinowsky, 15, was part of an undefeated Open A basketball side that won both the Independent Girls’ Schools South Australia premiership and the School Sport SA Championship.

Bianca Stasinowsky of Riverland lays the ball up during the SA Country Basketball Champs U18 Girls Division 1. Picture: Kelly Barnes/AllStar Photos
Bianca Stasinowsky of Riverland lays the ball up during the SA Country Basketball Champs U18 Girls Division 1. Picture: Kelly Barnes/AllStar Photos

Indi O’Connor, Vic

Team leader of the Warrnambool squad and an excellent reader of the ball.

Is always important at both ends of the floor for her side, and lined up in Sydney’s Australian Under-14 Club Championships in September.

Cooper McGregor, Qld

At just 12 was among the Gold Coast Rollers’ youngest at the under-14 national championships earlier in 2022.

Another guard who spoke of his passion for lining up for his home city.

“It’s a honour to represent Gold Coast at nationals,” he said before helping the Rollers finish as Shield champions thanks to a 63-61 victory over the Sydney Comets.

Chloe Neate, Tas

Launceston Lightning had Neate to thank for their impressive exploits in 2022.

Neate hit a season-high 256 points across her 13 games as the Lightning surged in the under-12 girls championship Northern Conference decider, only to be edged 37-34 by their club’s fellow league team.

Madison Ryan, Vic

Ryan is an athlete with potential, which has staff at the Sandringham Sabres very excited.

She has been selected in Basketball Victoria’s under-14 Future Development Program.

Can score in a big way and finished as the third leading scorer in the VJBL.

Jemma Amoore, Vic

Her 17 points for Victoria Country put her name in lights at the Australia Junior Championships.

The under-18 talent led her team to a 85-63 thumping of the powerful NSW Metro squad.

Oliver Rolls, Tas

Rolls proved a titan for Glenorchy in the under-12 boys championship Southern Conference for Basketball Tasmania.

His 316 points led the league as his side’s impressive 11-1 campaign was wrapped up with a 48-38 victory over Wolves in the grand final.

Roman Siulepa, Qld

The Brisbane State High small forward averaged 18.6ppg for Queensland South Under-18s at the AJCs.

Siulepa was on the rugby union radar in Queensland just last year, but he put basketball first – at 200cm and 100kg it looks like a good call.

Brisbane State High basketballer Roman Siulepa in action at Australian Basketball Schools Championships. Picture: Nelson Kahler
Brisbane State High basketballer Roman Siulepa in action at Australian Basketball Schools Championships. Picture: Nelson Kahler

Aspen Crase, SA

A wing with impressive basketball IQ. She played for SA Metro Under 16s in 2022 and made the Australian Under 15s camp.

Represented Immanuel College at the Australian Schools Championships onn the Gold Coast in December.

Elisa Brown, Vic

Already on Basketball Victoria’s radar as an up and coming star of the state.

Brown enjoyed a strong season locally, including a 21-point performance in the grand final, but unfortunately her efforts weren’t enough to get the Casey Cavaliers over the line.

Paige Nowland, Tas

The Corpus Christi Varney student lined up at the State Primary School Championships, while also dominating local competitions.

Playing for Grenadiers in the under-14 girls’ Southern Conference, Nowland hit 222 points in a star showing.

Lucas Byrne, Vic

The Ballarat Miners’ leading scorer in the VJBL this season.

Byrne showed he can put up big numbers himself or create for his teammates, and lined up for his club at the under-14 Club Championships in Sydney in September.

Heidi McConachy, NT

Lining up for Razzle in the Northern Territory competition, McConachy has become a rising star.

This was proved when she was selected in the under-14 Darwin Cyclones rep squad in 2022.

Young star Heidi Mcconachy. Picture: Razzle Basketball Club
Young star Heidi Mcconachy. Picture: Razzle Basketball Club

Ethan Cleary, Vic

The under-12 Bulleen talent scored a league-high 185 points in the Victorian Junior Basketball League.

That haul helped his side to third on the ladder and reaffirmed his growing reputation.

Taj Queen, Tas

The Sacret Heart College student impressed at the State High School Championships in 2022.

Couple that with his league-best 364 points for Hobart’s under-16s in the Southern Conference and you have a star to watch.

Coco Erin, Tas

The under-19 talent reinforced her reputation in 2022.

Erin scored 361 points for Kings in the under-19 girls’ Southern Conference, proving why the Mount Carmel College student is highly regarded.

Taneesa Hampton, NT

Truly one to keep an eye on from the Top End, Hampton has been named MVP in each season of basketball she has ever played.

As a result the Rebels player was selected to represent the NT at the both the 2018 under-12 and 2022 under-16 Australian Junior Championships.

Rising NT star Taneesa Hampton. Picture: Basketball NT
Rising NT star Taneesa Hampton. Picture: Basketball NT

Alex Toohey, ACT

The Lake Ginninderra College power forward led his school to the national crown at December’s championships on the Gold Coast.

Toohey has been at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra since 2020 and is rated as the most complete two-way player from power forward.

Jessie-May Hall, NSW

A super athletic Westfield Sports High talent who is one of the best players in Australia for her age.

The Indigenous talent and Bankstown Bruins guard who represented NSW Metro at this year’s Under 16s Nationals (averaging 24 points) is blessed with a wealth of potential, is quick, skilled and puts in a mountain of effort.

Strong in all facets of the game like dribbling, guarding and defending the floor, Hall has the ability to be a future Opal.

Noah Lyon, Qld

The Sunshine Coast player has impressed in 2022, largely thanks to a star showing for club team Bricklayers in the Caloundra under-16 season.

This included a match-turning effort in December’s 40-25 victory over Ospreys in the grand final.

Layla-J Cameron, Qld

The daughter of Pero Cameron – the former New Zealand Breakers and Gold Coast Blaze forward, who was voted the most influential NZ basketballer of All-time while he is also in the FIBA Hall of Fame.

The Hillcrest Christian College star averaged 6.25ppg for QLD South Under-18s at the Australian Junior Championships.

Layla Cameron playing basketball for Hillcrest Christian College. Picture: Rodney Deane
Layla Cameron playing basketball for Hillcrest Christian College. Picture: Rodney Deane

Iva Ivanovic, Vic

The Rowville Secondary College shooting guard represented Serbian Under 16s National team at the 2022 European Championship.

With those lessons learnt remains a talent to watch in 2023.

Paddy D’Arcy, SA

A Concordia College talent, the shooting guard averaged 6.0ppg for SA Metro Under-18s at the AJCs.

D’Arcy is a shooting guard with immense potential. He impressed playing for SA Metro this year and aspires to become a professional in either the NBL or the NBA.

Mitchell Hardy, NT

A bottom age player for NT at 2022 Under-16 Australian Junior Championships, Hardy has become a player to watch thanks to a strong 2022.

He lines up for Ella’s Titans in the local competition.

Samuel Lewis, NSW

The Newington College talent averaged 3.3ppg for NSW Metro Under-18s at the AJCs

Preference is to play on the perimeter, but also has the ability to play inside if necessary.

Katie Duncan, WA

The Willetton Senior High School talent averaged 6.6ppg for WA Metro Under-18s at the AJCs.

A guard who has played on the national stage for her state dating back to her early school years.

Jake Weinstein, NSW

The Newington College shooting guard can carry the ball if needed.

Major strength is his ability to knock the 3pt shot down. Also possesses a good basketball IQ and can play the point position if required.

Jake Weinstein is one to watch. Picture: AAP Image/Monique Harmer
Jake Weinstein is one to watch. Picture: AAP Image/Monique Harmer

Mitchell Sutton, Vic

The leading three-point shooter in VJBL action for Bendigo in 2022.

Sutton hit 21 threes in 11 games and led the way in scoring for his team with 143 points.

Sophie Smith, Vic

Smith is an exciting and speedy guard for Warrnambool.

She returned from state netball and basketball duties and is integral to both defensive and offensive structures.

Lined up in Sydney’s Australian Under-14 Club Championships in September.

Hanna Schofield, Qld

The Southern Districts Trojans White star took top spot for under-14 scorers across the state after recording 184 points in the girls’ under-14 Division 3 tournament in July.

Schofield was dominant for the Trojans, who won the gold medal, averaging 23 points per game, including a high of 39 points against the Gladstone Power.

Her coach Matt Meehan labelled her “lightning in a bottle”.

Alison Francis, ACT

The point guard averaged 7.9ppg for ACT Under-20s at the AJCs.

The Lake Ginninderra College product is difficult to contain when she gets going on the offensive end.

Chloe Dix, NSW

The crafty St Luke’s Grammar School guard has represented U18G NSW Metro at the 2022 Australian Championships in Bendigo.

She helped lead her U18G Manly Team to a 22-0 record in the BNSW Junior Premier League while also collecting a bronze medal at the National Junior Classic – which was Manly’s best ever finish women’s finish at a National Junior Classic.

Dakota Crichton, Vic

The Rowville Secondary College power forward averaged 8.1ppg for VIC Metro Under-18s at the AJCs.

Crichton was recently part of the Vic Metro which won gold at the under 18 national championships. She is also a Victorian National Performance Program member.

Tayah Morgan, WA

A gifted guard who has long achieved at a state level. She also plays for the Lakeside Lightning in the NBL1 competition.

Represented Willetton Senior High School at the national schools titles on the Gold Coast.

Sienna Lehmann, SA

The Immanuel College guard represented Australia at the U15 Women’s Oceania Championship.

She was widely regarded as the second-best player at this year’s National Under 16s Championships.

Lehmann has special vision and an ability to create open shots for teammates.

She is extremely fit, which helps her run the floor and take over games. The niece of Opals legend Rachael Sporn.

The niece of former Australian basketball player Rachael Sporn, Sienna Lehmann. Picture: Keryn Stevens
The niece of former Australian basketball player Rachael Sporn, Sienna Lehmann. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Addison Davey, Qld

Represented Townsville as a 12-year-old at the national championships in Penrith in September.

An exciting guard, Davey has turned heads on the court in 2022.

Jessica Petrie, ACT

The daughter of a WNBL and NBL player in Sarah and Anthony, Jessica Petrie is a forward of enormous potential, having played at the NBL1 level and also being a scholarship holder at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

A versatile import from Lake Ginninderra College who can put points up quickly and do her work from the inside as well as from the perimeter.

Jesse Nassif, Vic

Usually plays as a power forward for Whittlesea and uses his size to get to the ring.

Like the modern-day big man, he can also step out and hit a three.

Lined up in Sydney’s Australian Under-14 Club Championships in September.

Nicholas Nicolazzo, Vic

A strong presence in the paint for the Whittlesea Pacers, he plays a key role in deciding how far his team goes in competitions.

Scores strongly but is also as effective at the other end.

Lachlan Clague, NSW

Barker College’s power forward/centre remains a star on the rise.

An Australian Under-15s representative who is one of the promising young bigs around at his age. Represented Australia in underage competition in Guam.

Lachlan Clague represented Australia U15s in Guam. Picture: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW
Lachlan Clague represented Australia U15s in Guam. Picture: Jaylee Ismay/Basketball NSW

Aiden Fitzgerald, WA

The Willetton Senior High School player is a versatile shooting guard/forward who is very athletic.

Fitzgerald can transition between guard and wing, and is contracted with the Willetton Tigers in the NBL1 West competition.

Azaniah Afualo, NSW

The St Luke’s Grammar School forward has turned heads already.

A promising forward, she has represented Samoa at an U15s level in a sign of what’s to come.

Lucy Dexter, Vic

A Rowville Secondary College talent, Dexter averaged 6.3ppg for VIC Metro Under-18s at the AJCs.

A forward who is a strong rebounder, a good defender and is also described as a “warrior”.

Jade Peacock, Qld

One of Hillcrest’s most versatile players, Jade Peacock is an athletic forward who is also great defensively.

The Year 12 student was a starting player for the Gold Coast Rollers and is heading to America to play Division 1 college basketball next year. Her father is Doug Peacock, who played for the Gold Coast Rollers.

Jak Allen, NT

The Ansett under-14s talent is one to watch in the Top End.

Allen was chosen to represent Darwin Cyclones in 2022.

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Originally published as 100 of Australia’s best young basketballers to watch in 2023

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/100-of-australias-best-young-basketballers-to-watch-in-2023/news-story/f6e33bb42ab4f87251b0948a80b56d65