Basketball Australia Schools Championships live stream: Hillcrest eye top girls prize (School Championships)

Hillcrest Christian College are one of the favourites at Basketball Australia’s Schools Championships, but they are wary of one rival in particular. And their clash on Tuesday morning is sure to be a classic.

A future college basketballer, a New Zealand U19s player, and a Year 9 student playing well above her age could spell gold for Hillcrest Christian College as they head into the Australian School Championships next week.

Coming off gold at the Queensland state titles, Hillcrest’s Championship women’s team are now chasing national glory from over five days from Monday.

The Championships will be exclusively live streamed by KommunityTV and will include 127 matches across four courts. Included in our coverage will be every game from the mens and womens Championship divisions as well as select fixtures from the remaining divisions.

SEE ALL THE TEAM LISTS FOR THE JUNIOR BASKETBALL SHOWPIECE

AUSTRALIA’S BEST JUNIOR FEMALE BASKETBALLERS REVEALED

AUSTRALIA’S BEST JUNIOR MALE BASKETBALLERS REVEALED

Layla Cameron is a key player. Photo: Hillcrest Christian College.

AFLW draft prospect eyes basketball glory

St Luke’s eye big prize at basketball showpiece

SA queens of the court on national stage

Why Rowville are a force to be reckoned with

Leading the team will be Year 12 student Layla Cameron, the daughter of coach - and New Zealand legend - FIBA Hall of Famer Pero Cameron.

Cameron is in her final year of school but is already representing New Zealand at U19s level and has big dreams to play college basketball.

Pero has worked with Hillcrest’s basketball program since 2013 and coaches the program alongside Gold Coast Rollers player Taylor Lee.

While their eyes are firmly set on the gold, Lee said the lead up to the tournament had been “disruptive” with exams, graduation and Schoolies celebrations.

“For us and our school values, it’s important they put their schooling first, but we like to see our basketball as that break for them and that outlet,” Lee said.

SEE THE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

“We’ve been working really hard this year, we’ve come together as a team to win gold at the Queensland State Titles, we’re ranked number one in Queensland at the moment but we know some of our opposition teams are quite strong.”

Lee, a former Rowville Secondary College coach in Melbourne, said her old side will be their toughest competitor - and her insight into their game plan could make the difference.

“Rowville always compete hard,” she said.

“I know their program pretty well and how well coached they are by Dean Kinsman. Their program is always strong in all age groups, personally I think they would be our biggest competitor.

“I really do think we’re in with a good shot to win it this year, we’ve just got to keep our bodies healthy and get everyone through the tournament.”

Hillcrest coach Taylor Lee. Photo: Rodney Deane.

NZ basketball legend Pero Cameron. Photo: Rodney Deane.

While the tournament is typically held in Melbourne, Hillcrest are relishing having the home court advantage this year.

“I think it’ll be an advantage, I think going to Melbourne would have been disruptive for us, but being on the Gold Coast we’re accustomed to the humidity and the weather, and we train at Carrara where the tournament will be held.”

Hillcrest will begin their tournament on Monday against Adelaide’s Immanuel College.

Meet Hillcrest’s top players

Layla Cameron

Described as an “outstanding” player by coach Lee, Cameron plays internationally for the New Zealand U19s and has big dreams to play college basketball. The Year 12 student is a starting point guard, is super crafty and creative off the dribble. Cameron is a Queensland representative and is part of the Gold Coast Rollers NBl1 training squad.

Jade Peacock

The versatile Jade Peacock. Photo: Rodney Deane.

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.

Shorna Preston

Shorna Preston will be making her return from an ACL injury from over a year ago, but is a tough allrounder. Preston competes hard, can shoot the perimeter and is a solid rebounder, too. The Year 12 student is a strong leader among the team.

Shorna Preston is returning from major injury.

Jaya Lowe

One of the youngest on the side, Year 9 student Jaya Lowe is an up and comer for Hillcrest. Lowe was a member of the U16s Queensland team and has a natural presence on any court, despite being just 15. The shooting guard is quick and can play both ends of the court as a lockdown defender who can score.

Jess Smith

Rounding out the team’s best five is Year 11 student Jess Smith. Smith is a driven competitor who works hard on the rim and creates moves for the team. Coach Lee described her as “tenacious” on defence.