Basketball live stream: Warrnambool prepare for Australian Club Championships (U14 Basketball Club Championships)

They might not have taken to the court together since June but Warrnambool is confident of causing some upsets on the national stage. Meet the team.

Warrnambool has been waiting several months but the Mermaids are ready to attack the Under 14 Australian Club Championships.

The team from Victoria’s southwest hasn’t played since the National Junior Classic on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in early June.

But they’ve been keeping themselves sharp with countless training sessions along the way.

Meanwhile some players have been involved with Basketball Victoria’s academy programs which has meant an extra 20 hours of coaching in an elite environment.

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The Mermaids will be the only girls team from regional Victoria set to compete in the week-long event in Sydney.

Coach Shane Smith is excited by what lays ahead for his side.

“One of the biggest challenges in being a regional team is how the seasons are different,” he said.

“We usually play about six or seven tournaments between January and April then we were lucky to be invited to the Classic. That was a great test for our girls, they enjoyed the experience.

Warrnambool took out the Junior Country Championships earlier this year. Photo: Facebook.

“It’s a massive achievement for us to be here and we’re excited by what’s ahead.

“When you play against better competition it usually brings out the best in the girls.”

Given what lays ahead, Smith believes his team can’t afford to switch off in the key moments over the several days of competition.

“Every game will be a full four quarters,” he said.

“In preparing for the tournament, we’ve brought in a few of the older girls to help us with training and it’s given our team a taste of what might be ahead of them.

“We’re lucky Warrnambool has some great female role models in our sport who have helped to build the girls program up.

“Our team playing at this event is a testament to their hard work.”

Meet the team

Annika Baker: A defensive guard. She has excellent court vision, and has a strong presence in defence.

Rosie Bowman: A defensive guard. Bowlman has a strong presence on defence but will run the show from point guard.

Milan Clarke: A left-handed guard who can create plenty for her teammates. She is also a strong shooter of the dribble.

Zoe Dobson: Another bottom age guard. Really grown in her development this year. Very crafty on offence.

Chloe Gleeson: Another speedy guard-forward for the team. Gleeson is athletic and reads the ball very well in defence. Look for lots of deflections and pressure defence.

Emma Hill: A forward-centre. Has a strong presence in defence, but can put the ball on the floor and run the fast break.

Paige Lenehan: An excellent reader of the ball who works well off the ball.

Stella Marris: A forward-centre who thrives on the physicality of the game. Moves well in offence and is crafty around the basket.

Indi O’Connor: The team leader of the squad, excellent reader of the ball. Will be important both ends of the floor.

Sophie Smith: A bottom age, exciting and speedy guard. Just returned from state netball and basketball duties and will be integral to both defensive and offensive structures.