Live stream: The girls to watch at Basketball Australia U16 National Championships

On the same day she blew out 14 candles on her birthday cake Olivia Olechenowicz has made a massive mark on the U16 National Championships. See the top players to watch.

Sons, daughters, brothers and sisters of a host of current and former basketball and other sporting legends headline the diverse array of talent who will be on show at the 2023 U16 Australian National Championships in Perth.

Every match from the Basketball Australia Under-16s National Championships will be live streamed exclusively on KommunityTV from July 1-9.

U16 NATIONALS HUB: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, FULL SCHEDULE, DAILY STREAM LINKS

NSW Metro will be determined to go back-to-back in the girls tournament, but will face stiff opposition from a Victoria Metro determined to win back the Norma Connolly Trophy.

Everywhere you look across the girls tournament, there are stars of the future. From the sister of a WNBA hopeful to the daughter of a Victorian basketball legend, there is a host of exciting young talents ready to shine on the national stage.

News Corp Australia’s leading basketball writer Michael Randall takes a look at the players to watch at the tournament, hosted by Warwick Basketball Association.

U16 GIRLS FULL ROSTERS AND PLAYERS TO WATCH

ACT

FULL SQUAD

Zara Funnell, Indiana Clowry, Charlotte Robertson, Ava Lily Tawake, Hena Lomu, Lucy Hoffmeister, Molly Lacey, Madison Scholfield, Olivia Brankovic, Amelia Naughton

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ava Tawake: The daughter of former ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs flanker Jone Tawake, Ava is a gun scoring forward out of Norths who is averaging a tick over 25ppg in the Junior Premier League. Ava’s physical strength is one of her biggest weapons — and she shares that toughness with dad, who, in 2006, had his right ring finger amputated after he developed an infection following surgery to repair the break.

Hena Lomu, ACT U16 girls.

Andrew Lomu in action for the Roosters back in 2003.

Hena Lomu: Another daughter of a strong man, Hena’s father Andrew Lomu played three Tests for Tonga and 85 first grade NRL games for Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters — including the 2002 grand final win. Hena is putting up 16ppg in the JPL as a smart guard playing with Daramalan College. She’s every bit as tough as dad.

Zara Funnell, ACT U16 girls.

Zara Funnell: A well-balanced, speedy guard with a sweet jumpshot, Zara leads the way for Norths in the JPL with 17ppg. For Zara, who has long been part of the BACT junior rep program, basketball is a big part of family life. Sister Jasmin is a key member of the Australian Pearls, who recently competed at the Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

FULL SQUAD

Latisha-Jaide Forrester, Lily Nicklin, Shamah Gabriel-Yak, Dyana Naledawa, Chaelaah McDowall, Madison Hunter, Kayla Ilett, Sienna James, Mia Tuluauau, Cobie Lee

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lily Nicklin: A bottom-age combo guard who does it all. Has impressed in camp with her ability to shoot the ball and play tough defence. An up-and-comer to watch coming out of the NT ranks who is an ultra hard worker keen to improve her game.

Shamah Gabriel-Yak: Basketball — and serious athleticism — runs in the family for Shamah, whose brother Davis captained the U18 NT boys team at this year’s nationals. Both are high-flying guards who are super quick, very good defensively and love to get out in transition.

NSW COUNTRY

FULL SQUAD

Isabelle Burns, Ellie Lyons, Kijana McCowan, Alina Pasakarnis, Mia Roseworne, Millie Sutcliffe, Kiara McKeown, Molly Coble, Alek De Bol, Kira Juffermans

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kira Juffermans: The younger sister of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence and Australian Gems star Isla Juffermans, Kira possesses great mobility at her height and will be a handful for the opposition to handle in the key. Already 185cm at 15, the Coffs Harbour Suns tall is chasing her 194cm sister, who led won this year’s U20 MVP award in leading NSW to gold.

Kira Juffermans, U16 NSW Country.

Kijana McCowan, U16 NSW Country.

Kijana McCowan: Basketball runs in the family for Kijana. Dad is the late Albury hoops legend Allen McCowan and older sister Aleira was part of the NSW Country U18 side that competed in Brisbane, earlier this year. The athletic Albury Cougars guard is lightning fast of the mark and has speed to burn, on and off the ball.

Alina Pasakarnis: A long wing out of the Illawarra Hawks who can fill multiple roles on offence and guard several positions at the other end. She is a key piece in Country’s hopes.

NSW METRO

FULL SQUAD

Angelina Bezzina, Kaila Proctor, Matilda Trout, Olivia Hastings, Rebecca Donnelly, Imogen Trout, Ebony Dixon, Malki Halwala, Sienna Clark, Nadia Aukuso

Nadia Aukuso, U16 NSW Metro Girls.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nadia Aukuso: Big, strong Sydney Comets post player who is a nightmare to defend inside. Brother Christian played for the NSW U20 men’s team that won silver in February.

Kaila Proctor: Sister of young Aussie gun Tyrese Proctor, Kaila is a star point guard in her own right. While her brother is making headlines at Duke University, Kaila is developing into a crafty and smart player at Sutherland Sharks who will run the NSW Metro offence like a well-oiled machine.

Tyrese Proctor has been impressive for Duke in the US.

Kaila Proctor, U16 NSW Metro Girls.

Rebecca Donnelly: Athletic forward with the ability to slash into the teeth of the defence and finish with her superior athleticism and speed. Sister Emma Donnelly, a development player with WNBL club Sydney Flames who just committed to NCAA program Iona, was a key member of the NSW gold medal-winning team at the U20 Nationals.

Imogen and Matilda Trout: Star sisters out of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles who are excited to get the chance to play together on the national stage. Younger sibling Matilda — they’re separated by almost exactly one year — has great versatility which allows her to play multiple positions from point guard to forward, while big sister Imogen will be called on crash the glass and be an inside-outside scoring threat.

QLD NORTH

FULL SQUAD

Alley Simpson, Cheyenne Bobongie, Taryn Bond, Maggie Thorburn, Isabel Smith, Clara Kolb, Lily Mapp, Leah Pearson, Breanna Edgerton, Macey Lahrs

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Taryn Bond: Younger sister of rising Aussie starlet Teyahna Bond, Taryn shares her sibling’s athleticism as a rim-running guard who will be one of the leaders of the North team. The tough-as-nails top-ager. Impressed at last year’s nationals and will looks to take her game to the next level in Perth.

Queensland North’s Taryn Bond.

Queensland North’s Cheyenne Bobongie. Pictures: Basketball Queensland

Cheyenne Bobongie: Another sister-of-a-gun, Cheyenne is following in the footsteps of Centre of Excellence scholarship-holder Monique Bobongie. A gun point guard out of Mackay who possesses a great feel for the game. Look for her to orchestrate the North offence.

QLD SOUTH

FULL SQUAD

Olivia Olechnowicz, Mya Moke, Jovana Ilic, Sinai Foai, Laila Kefu, Jade Sherrington, Gia Vukona, Samantha Melksham, Mia Gurney, Violet Johnson

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gia Vukona: Daughter of one of the toughest men ever to take the court in the NBL in five-time champion Mika Vukona. Gia shares her famous Kiwi father’s traits with an ability to defend multiple positions at a high level. The two-way forward can score inside and out and won the U16 Queensland State Championship with Southern Districts Spartans.

Olivia Olechnowicz, U16 Qld South Girls.

Olivia Olechnowicz: On the same day she blew out 14 candles on her birthday cake Olivia Olechenowicz made a massive mark on the U16 Nationals, stunning NSW Country in a remarkable 37-point debut that has put her on the radar as one of the young players to watch in Australian basketball. Standing 176cm and physically gifted, the Queensland South gun made 15 of her 19 shots, tore down seven rebounds and added three assists in the 67-42 win. One of the most-talented defenders at the tournament, Olivia was named the best defensive player at last year’s U14 National Club Championships in Melbourne, where she helped Southern Districts Spartans to bronze and has already shown that in Perth, with six steals added to her gaudy statline against NSW Country. Olechenowicz did her work in just 24 minutes and makes Queensland South a much-watch team on Kommunity TV’s tournament livestream.

SA COUNTRY

FULL SQUAD

Ava Woosnam, Stella Reed, Ruby Stockley, Mahlia James, Mia Richards, Lilli Maywald, Bailey Hahn, Nari Freckleton, MacKenzie Burke, Daisy Hocking

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Daisy Hocking: Star point guard who finished second in scoring at the National Junior Classics. Daisy is a bottom-ager, but will be heavily relied upon to get buckets for Country. Gets on the rim and is a super prospect. Was MVP of Strathalbyn’s U14 Div 1 grand final and is the sister of a fellow young gun in Penzy Hocking, who played for Country at the U18 Nationals, earlier this year.

Riverland under-14 girls basketballer Bailey Hahn. Picture: Supplied, SA Country Basketball Association/ AllStar Photos

Bailey Hahn: A speedy wing who has no scoring weakness, Bailey can make shots from the outside and mix it up in the key. Fast and strong, she’s a great finisher at the cup and a dogged defender who will take on the opposition’s best scorer. Unstoppable in full flight. She might want to stay in WA and keep warm — the Loxton High School student has also been selected to the School Sport SA state netball team, which will compete at the Interstate Netball 15s Championship from July 29-August 4.

Former two-time WNB: champion Sam Woosnam will be cheering on niece, Ava, as she plays for SA Country at the National Championships.

Ava Woosnam: Niece of Adelaide Lightning dual-WNBL champion Sam Woosnam, Ava is the tallest player in the Country squad at 183cm. As a bottom-ager, she’ll play a reserve role, but is a high-potential player who cleans the glass and combines a developing post game with a silky shooting touch.

SA METRO

FULL SQUAD

Annaliese Elliott, Polly Turner, Caitlin Hardin, Elouise Nordhausen-Bradley, Keira Copeland, Aspen Crase, Amanda Pittaway, Emma Scott, Abbey Jones, Keira Gardiner

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keira Gardiner: Finished fifth in scoring as Forestville Eagles claimed the U16 girls NJC title, Keira has long been a huge prospect in Adelaide basketball circles. The Scotch College product was named 2020 WABL U12 MVP and has enjoyed steady improvement as she’s come up through the age groups. Expect her to be one of Metro’s leaders.

Aspen Crase at last year's Australian Schools Championships.

Aspen Crase: A monster on the glass, 183cm Aspen finished second at last year’s Australian Schools Championships at 14 per game for Immanuel College, despite her tender years. Got a good look at her at the schools and was most impressed by her work on the offensive glass against girls much older. Should comfortably lead the champs in boards.

TASMANIA

FULL SQUAD

Matilda Neate, Sophie Ryan, Portia Chopping, Harriet Close, Ella Lee, Nikki Parke, Eva Schulze, Andie Smith, Bailie Wickham, Rhianna Wicks

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Andie Smith: Younger sister of rising Aussie WNBA star Alanna Smith, basketball is in the blood for Andie. Father Darren Smith is an Aussie basketball legend who played 214 NBL games. Andie is an athletic tall who has taken massive strides in her development over the past 18 months. She will be a critical force in the key for Tasmania.

Alanna Smith during a season with the Adelaide Lightning.

Andie Smith shows a similar leaping ability to her older sister.

Portia Chopping: A creative playmaker who can defend multiple positions, The Tassie girls look to Portia for leadership. She was the only player who competed at the nationals last year.

VIC COUNTRY

FULL SQUAD

Maddison Carr, Megen Cooper, Mia Harvey, Poppy Myers, Maisie Corcoran, Eve Covey, Lilly Impey, Nyapath Machot, Mica Nightingale, Brylee Anderson

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brylee Anderson: Healesville local Brylee travels about 500km per week chasing her basketball dream and it’s paying off. Extremely coachable and willing to learn, she’s a nightmare to guard thanks to her athleticism, speed and basketball IQ. She’s a pretty talented Aussie rules player, too, claiming the U15 Outer East league best and fairest in 2021 and winning back-to-back School Sport Victoria U15 girls selection — she’ll come home from Perth and then head to Ballarat for that tournament from July 22-29.

Bendigo Braves junior Mia Harvey. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Former NBL player Ben Harvey.

Mia Harvey: Captain of the Vic Country team, Mia is the daughter of SEABL legend Ben Harvey, who has a list of playing and coaching accolades as long as Lauren Jackson’s arm. The Bendigo Braves product is one of the most-promising point guards in Victoria. Everything good that happens for Country begins with her.

Poppy Myers: A standout as a bottom-ager last year, Poppy enters as one of the key Vic Country forwards. The strong Warrnambool forward is joined in the side, once again by fellow Port Fairy local and Emmanuel College schoolmate Eve Covey.

VIC METRO

FULL SQUAD

Madeline Angus, Elisa Brown, Daisy Nousis, Emilia Drmic, Taia McMechan, Marianela Fakalata, Madison Kamphausen, Addison Knight, Sitaya Fagan, Madison Ryan

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Daisy Nousis: Pure scoring machine who has already excelled at the level. Will be among the tournament’s best bucketgetters. Had 16 points and 13 rebounds as Metro beat Country by one point to take bronze at last year’s Nationals and won an invite to the Australian U15 Selection Camp.

Taia McMechan: Initially named as a bottom-aged emergency for last year’s team, Taia was a late call up for an injured teammate and ended up playing a key role in Metro’s bronze medal run. A point guard who just performs every time she’s called upon and will shoulder a heavier load this year in Perth. The Nunawading gun is also an amazing ballet dancer.

Emilia Drmic: Daughter of Frank Drmic, who won an NBL title with South East Melbourne Magic in 1996 and a gold medal at the FIBA 22 and Under World Championships alongside the likes of Chris Anstey and Sam Mackinnon. The State Development Program has basketball in the blood, with uncle Anthony Drmic a member of the Tasmania JackJumpers.

WA COUNTRY

FULL SQUAD

Kealee Poland, Ngaire Parish, Gabriella Huddlestone, Abigail Durdin, Indy Rogers, Ava O’Neill, Ella Edwards, Keely Berry, Holly Baynes, Ashlee Monaghan

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keely Berry, U16 WA Country Girls.

Ashlee Monaghan: One of only two players returning from last year’s U16 Country girls team, Monaghan is a strong forward who is set to lead her team from the front with her physical, aggressive play. The 15-year-old is part of the Goldfields Giants in NBL1 West — learning her craft alongside Australian Opals starlet Darcee Garbin. As Ash tries to win gold in Perth, her teammate Garbin will be in Sydney hoping to take out the FIBA Asia Cup.

Keely Berry: The other returning athlete from last year’s WA Country squad, Keely is an athletic forward from Albany who will form a one-two leadership punch with Ashlee Monaghan. Keely loves to crash the glass and mix it up with physicality. She’s a queen of the one-per-centers, always the first dive on the floor or out of bounds to fight for a loose ball.

WA METRO

FULL SQUAD

Brooklyn Gurbiel, Mikayla Deshon, Reece Anticevic, Keira Reilly, Rose Clinch, Natalie Chisi, Sienna Lilly, Taylor Northey, Aysha Kemp, Eva Smith

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aysha Kemp: The sole returnee from last year’s Metro squad, Aysha was part of the recent Aussie Sapphires U17 selection camp. Her size, athleticism and skill make her an X-factor to any team she takes the court for and she’s a player her first-time teammates will be look to for leadership.

Taylor Northey: Taylor is a strong post player who will add size and physicality to the Metro girls team. She’s so smart with her positioning around the rim and impossible to move when she gets set. A big inside target for the Metro girls to utilise at the tournament.