50 under 15: SA’s next wave of athletes aged 15-and-under to watch
From the pool to the field and multi-sport talents to representing the nation, these are the next generation of South Aussie sport stars. Meet the top 50 under 15.
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The stars are aligning for some of South Australia’s most talented young sports people.
From multi-sport athletes who have represented the state in more than one sport to teenage Australian representatives, The Advertiser is recognising some of SA’s most exciting youngsters by profiling 50 standout athletes from a variety of sports.
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In consultation with the state’s key sporting organisations, including the SA Cricket Association, SANFL, Basketball, Netball, Baseball and Hockey associations and other sporting bodies, we have uncovered just how deep the young talent pool runs.
Here’s a selection, in alphabetical order, of 50 of SA’s top 15-and-under sporting prospects.
JAMES AZLI
Sport: Archery
Age: 15
James is shooting for the stars, having represented Australia at the Oceania and Trans Tasman Archer Competition and winning one gold, two silver and five bronze medals.
The Concordia College student this year was also crowned the Australian Overall Champion in the junior category for Olympic recurve archer at the junior nationals in Canberra, shooting a national record in two events.
He holds various state records for open, under-21, under-18 and under-16 categories for Olympic Recurve archery and is a finalist in the Individual Secondary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
CHARLIE BEST
Sport: Football
Age: 15
Starting his football journey from the Wirrulla Football Club on the Eyre Peninsula, Charlie began making his mark in the big smoke this year.
A member of the South Australia’s under-16 squad, the prolific ball-winner averaged 20 disposals and seven tackles in eight SANFL under-16 appearances for Norwood.
His breakout game was against West Adelaide in Round 4 when he had 29 disposals, seven clearances and seven tackles.
Charlie has a knack for finding the footy and appears to have a very bright future in the sport.
TOMMY BIRD
Sport: Baseball
Age: 15
Tommy is a 183cm, standout, right-handed pitcher who has represented Australia at under-16 level.
A member of the Port Adelaide Baseball Club, Tommy first represented the club at Division 1 level at just 14.
A key part of SA’s silver medal-winning side in the Australian Junior League Championship, he also is an “unbelievable hitter’’, according to state under-16s coach Andrew Couzner.
“Tommy is a tireless worker who has really changed his body shape in the past 18 months, getting a lot stronger, and he hit his first Division 1 home run this month,’’ Couzner said.
MITCHELL BROOK
Sport: Football
Age: 15
The Sturt rover starred for South Australia at this year’s School Sport Australia under-15 national football carnival, making the All-Australian team.
As a bottom-age player, Mitchell played eight SANFL under-16s games for the Double Blues during the year and impressed, averaging 16 disposals and three clearances.
The Prince Alfred College student plays primarily as an inside midfielder and is a “great distributor of the ball’’.
Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden described Mitchell as “a ripping lad who is highly skilled and has lots of composure’’.
“He has a lot of power and makes really good football decisions and we are looking for him to really develop and be a team leader in our under-16s in 2025,’’ Crowden said.
TAITE BROOK
Sport: Cricket
Age: 15
The classy, top-order batter starred for South Australia at this year’s male under-15 School Sport Australia cricket championships in Mackay, Queensland, making the team of the tournament.
Taite, who plays Premier Cricket with Kensington, made a team-best 410 runs at an average of 58 and impressed with his strokeplay.
“He is a really fluent, hard-hitting, right-handed batter,’’ SACA Pathways Academy head coach Shannon Tubb said.
“He seems to have a lot of time when he bats and plays spin really well, so there’s a lot to like about him.’’
ALICE BROWN
Sport: Baseball
Age: 14
Alice this year delivered one of the best performances in Australian junior baseball history, starring for South Australia at the national under-16 youth women’s championships.
In the gold medal match against Queensland, Alice pitched a complete game while going four-for-five with the bat and driving in six runs.
She was voted tournament MVP by giving up only one earned run in 13 innings pitched while also having 10 hits and 12 RBIs.
Alice, who led SA to its first gold medal at under-16 women’s level, also won the Golden Arm award for conceding so few earned runs and recording 14 strikeouts.
The Woodville Baseball Club Division 1 representative is one of the state’s most exciting young talents.
HARVEY CHAPMAN
Sport: Football
Age: 15
The promising Sturt key defender shows nice poise under pressure and featured in 10 under-16 games for the SANFL premier this year.
Posting an elite, 91 per cent disposal efficiency, Harvey also played two games for South Australia’s under-16 team as a bottom-ager at the 2024 AFL national championships.
He missed the back end of the season after breaking a leg in the under-15 nationals but he appears destined for a fine career.
“Harvey took the injury on the chin and has been working hard on his rehab and I can’t wait to see him back in action,’’ said Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.
“He’s 190cm, runs a 6 min, 30 sec 2km time trial, which is elite for a player of his size, and is an outstanding, drop-off defender who is going to be something pretty special I reckon. He’s a great kid.’’
ALLEGRA CREAN
Sport: Swimming
Age: 15
Allegra is one of South Australia’s most promising young swimmers.
The Seaford Secondary College student has been chosen in SASI’s swimming talent identification program after recording strong performances in 2023 and 2024.
Allegra won a bronze medal at the Australian Age Swimming Championships and was also the youngest South Australian selected for Olympic qualifiers at the Australian Swimming Trials.
She also competed in nine events at this year’s Australian Short Course Championships.
KALANI DUNN
Sport: Netball
Age: 15
Kalani, from the country town of Millicent in the state’s south east, is a standout teenage goal shooter.
She is a member of the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy emerging program and represented South Australia at this year’s School Sport Australia 15-and-under national netball championships.
Kalani has also moved to Phase 3 of the state under-17 netball trials.
“Kalani has a variety of attacking moves, a strong ability to work in partnership with the other goalie and is calm under pressure,’’ said Thunderbirds emerging academy assistant coach Darren Saul.
“She has a high work-rate and is very accurate under the post.’’
ORLANDO EITEL
Sports: Diving, gymnastics, swimming
Age: 11
The St Martin de Porres School student certainly has a spring in his step, shining at a trio of sports where he uses his power and precision with great effect.
Orlando finished fourth in the under-11 1m Springboard at the 2024 Diving Age National Championships and cleaned up at the State Gymnastics Championships, winning the Level 3 Open section, finishing first on the floor and second on pommel and parallel bar and third on rings.
In September, Orlando, who also shone at the Swimming SAPSASA Championships in freestyle and butterfly, was invited to join the Diving Australia Pathway Development Squad.
He is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
ANNALIESE ELLIOTT
Sport: Basketball
Age: 15
Gun young basketballer has been a standout for South Australia’s under-16 girls team in the national championships in the past two years, winning a gold medal in 2023 and bronze in 2024.
Captain of SA’s state metropolitan team, Annaliese made the final 20 for the Australian under-15 Sapphires team to contest this month’s FIBA under-15 Oceania Cup in Canberra and is the youngest player selected in the Adelaide Lightning Academy.
A point guard for the Norwood Flames, she is described as having “elite leadership skills for someone so young’’ and an “outstanding’’ work ethic.
KEN FERRANTE TANIKAWA
Sport: Athletics
Age: 15
Ken won a gold medal in the 100m hurdles and silver medal in the heptathlon in the under-16 boys division at this year’s Australian Athletics Championships.
Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen described him as “a multi-event athlete who competes across all the athletics disciplines’’.
“Ken is a national champion hurdler and is very competitive across all events he takes part in, as is shown by his silver medal in the national heptathlon,’’ he said.
EVA FLINT
Sport: Athletics
Age: 12
Eva is only 12 but is already making a mark on the national athletics scene.
She won a gold medal in the under-13 girls 1500m event at the Australian Athletics Championships and has the world at her feet.
“Eva is another exciting young prospect in the distance running community,’’ Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen said.
“As a national champion in the under-13 1500m, the future is looking bright for Eva.’’
MAIA FREEMANTLE
Sport: Football
Age: 15
An athletic, high half-forward who can also push into the midfield, Maia impressed in her two games for South Australia at this year’s AFL under-16 girls national championships.
Featuring in games at under-17 level for Woodville-West Torrens at last month’s SANFL Intrastate Championships, Maia is expected to push for a SANFLW league debut in 2025.
The Henley High School student made this year’s School Sport Australia 15-and-under girls football All-Australian team.
TAJ GARRETT
Sport: Football
Age: 15
An emerging running machine who is aerobically gifted, Taj was a key member of Sturt’s under-16 SANFL premiership team this year, despite being a bottom-age player.
He averaged 17 disposals and kicked an impressive 24 goals in his 17 games for the Double Blues.
The boy from Murray Bridge also played in all three of South Australia’s matches at the AFL under-16 national championships, booting two goals.
Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden described him as “an elite runner’’.
“Taj plays on the wing for us and runs the 2km time trial in 5 min, 55 sec,’’ Crowden said.
“He runs up and down the ground all day and there were plays during the year where he was involved in the forward pocket, then the back pocket and then ended up kicking a goal back at our end of the ground, which highlights his running ability.’’
ISABELLE GODDARD
Sports: Swimming, diving
Age: 10
The St Johns Grammar School student was selected to represent South Australia in both swimming and diving at this year’s National School Sports Championships.
Isabelle, who first jumped into the pool at age three, competed in seven different swimming events at the nationals on the Gold Coast, achieving personal bests in all races, making three finals and earning herself a top-10 national spot.
Talented scouted to join Diving SA at the start of the year, she immediately made her mark in the sport, competing in four events at the nationals and recording personal bests in each event - the 1m springboard, individual and synchronised pairs.
Isabelle is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
PAIGE GRAY
Sports: Soccer, athletics, cross country
Age: 12
A rising star in SA’s soccer scene, Paige was selected to represent the state in the under-12s National Football (Soccer) Championships in Perth in October and is a member of the under-13s program for next year.
She also represented SA at under-12 level at the National Futsal Championships in Queensland.
Off the pitch, Paige is also a talented runner. Representing Port Districts, she won the 800m and 1500m races at the SAPSASA State Athletics Carnival.
She also won the 2024 SAPSASA cross country event and is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
CONNOR GREGORY
Sport: Cricket
Age: 14
The left-arm wrist spinner is described as a “terrific spinner of the ball and a great competitor’’.
Connor was a standout for SA at this year’s male under-15 School Sport Australia cricket championships in Mackay, Queensland, and has been trialling well with the state under-17 program.
“He bowls fast leggies, good wrong ‘uns, has a good change of pace and nice variations,’’ SACA Pathways Academy head coach Shannon Tubb said.
“He’s also an excellent lower order batter.’’
Connor snared 45 wickets last season and plays Premier Cricket for Sturt.
LARA GRIBBEN
Sports: Football, basketball
Age: 14
The Norwood International High School student starred in football and basketball in 2024.
She represented South Australia at both sports - at the School Sport Australia 15-and-under national football championships and national under-16 basketball titles.
Lara was chosen in the girls All-Australian football team and a 20-player Australian under-15 basketball squad, despite being a bottom-age player in both sports.
She played a starring role in SA’s gold-medal winning football team on the Gold Coast while she won bronze at the basketball nationals in Bendigo.
The 14-year-old has been nominated for the Individual Secondary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
HUGH GRIFFIN
Sport: Hockey
Age: 15
Hugh is a very promising hockey striker who is a consistent goal-scoring threat.
With a keen eye for space and strong vision, he’s able to anticipate play effectively and create scoring opportunities for himself and others.
Hugh plays for Port Adelaide’s under-15 boys team and his attacking skill set is well-developed, allowing him to take on defenders confidently and execute shots.
“Hugh’s forward movement and timing in the circle make him difficult to mark and he’s particularly effective in one-on-one situations,’’ according to the Hockey SA pathways program.
“His forward-thinking approach and attacking mindset make him a valuable asset in the striker line and a player to watch in future competitions.’’
RIYA GUPTA
Sport: Cricket
Age: 13
Riya is such an exciting talent that she is playing well above her age group.
A gun leg-spinner who “doesn’t miss the stumps very often’’, she has played in consecutive 12 and under national girls cricket championships and also represented SA at this year’s under-16 national titles.
She is a member of Adelaide High School’s esteemed cricket program, plays at Glenelg District Cricket Club and is also very capable with the bat.
SOFIA HADDOCK
Sport: Tennis
Age: 11
The Year 5 Burnside Primary School student has enjoyed a super year to be ranked as No. 1 in the country for her age based on singles and doubles rankings combined.
She ranks in the top few individually in singles and doubles.
Sofia represented the state with aplomb at national team events and in October represented Australia at the Asia Intercontinental 12-and-under teams event.
This month she finished runner-up in under-12 doubles at the Junior Masters in Sydney.
Sofia is also an accomplished athlete and footballer and is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
CAITLIN HARDIN
Sports: Football, athletics, basketball
Age: 15
Caitlin displayed her power and strength while representing South Australia at this year’s AFL under-16 girls national championships, shining across half-back and the midfield.
Boasting a background in cross-country running and basketball, where she has represented SA at junior level, the 163cm dynamo is the younger sister of Roosters’ SANFLW league player Sasha Hardin.
IVY HOBBS
Sport: Cricket
Age: 15
Ivy is a hard-hitting, left-handed, top order batter who, according to SA Cricket Association female pathway high performance coach Tyson Freeman, “loves hitting the ball hard square of the wicket’’.
A member of the Glenelg District Cricket Club, she is described as a “pocket rocket’’ and has recently also taken up wicket-keeping.
Ivy has played state cricket for the past two years, representing the SA girls team at under-15 and under-16 level.
Last year she made the under-16 national championships team of the tournament.
Batting at No. 3 as a bottom-age player, Ivy scored 170 runs at an average of 56.67, making two unbeaten half-centuries in Hobart.
She is expected to also make this year’s SA team.
DAISY HOCKING
Sport: Basketball
Age: 15
Daisy was the only Croweater selected in the Australian under-15 Sapphires team to contest this month’s FIBA under-15 Oceania Cup in Canberra.
The tournament, hosted at the Australian Institute of Sport, provides the world with a glimpse of the best up-and-coming talent from the region.
Daisy hails from Strathalbyn, represents SA Country in state tournaments and plays for the Eastern Mavericks club.
She is a dynamic combo guard, who is a strong leader with “outstanding offensive skills’’.
Remarkably, she debuted at NBL1 women’s level for the Mavericks this year as a 14-year-old, illustrating her elite talent set.
“Daisy has come up through the country basketball pathways system and is a highly-skilled, strong player with a great work ethic,’’ said SA Country Basketball high performance manager Scott Butler.
MAKENZIE HOLY
Sport: Cricket, indoor cricket, soccer
Age: 15
The Mildura product has taken the junior SA sporting scene by storm since moving to Adelaide last year to chase her sporting dreams.
A highly-talented cricketer and soccer player, Makenzie has already represented SA in two sports - cricket and indoor cricket - and played senior state level soccer.
In her first year in Adelaide, she was selected in SA’s under-16 girls cricket team, representing the state at the national championships in Tasmania in January and finishing the carnival as SA’s leading wicket-taker, with 12 - fourth-most in the competition.
Her outstanding performance saw her earn selection in the Cricket Australia team, where she was presented with a prized baggy green cap.
Makenzie, who plays for West Torrens at club level, also made this year’s School Sport SA under-15 girls team, where she captured the second-most wickets at the national titles in Mackay, Queensland, snaring 14.
She also represented SA at the national indoor cricket championships in Melbourne and has played State League senior women’s soccer for Fulham United.
MISCHA HUMAN
Sport: Netball
Age: 15
The Mount Gambier product is a member of the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy emerging program and represented South Australia at the School Sport Australia 15-and-under national netball championships.
She has also been selected to advance to Phase 3 of the under-17 state team trials.
Thunderbirds emerging academy assistant coach Darren Saul described Mischa, a goal shooter, as “a really good prospect’’.
“She’s a very strong target in the circle, has an ability to take the high ball and is a strong rebounder,’’ he said.
“Mischa also has great court sense and is really accurate under the post.’’
SIA IYENGAR
Sports: Cricket, indoor cricket
Age: 11
An emerging fast bowler, Sia has demonstrated remarkable talent, growth and dedication in both outdoor and indoor cricket.
Playing Premier cricket for Adelaide and Turf cricket for Fulham, she has come through the Buffalos’ junior cricket academy and has been selected to represent South Australia at national under-12 level in December
Sia also is an outstanding indoor cricketer, who, at age 10, was the youngest player in SA’s 2023 under-14 team.
She also made this year’s state team and was a standout at the national titles in Melbourne, earning two player of the match awards.
JOSH JARRAD
Sport: Football
Age: 15
The exciting Glenelg product is an emerging, classy key forward who was one of only two South Australians to make this year’s School Sport Australia All-Australian side following the national under-15 championships, along with Sturt pocket rocket Mitchell Brook.
Josh kicked the most goals in the tournament and shone for the Tigers as a bottom-age player in the SANFL under-16s, kicking 15 goals in 10 games.
This included a bag of five majors against Woodville-West Torrens in Round 8.
The Henley High School student also kicked four against North Adelaide in Round 10.
LIAM JOHNSON
Sport: Karate
Age: 15
Liam created history last month by becoming the first South Australian to represent Australia at the World Karate Federation under-21 championships in Venice, Italy.
With only one spot available for each country in each age section, Liam had to fight hard to earn his position in the 14/15 years cadets under-52kg division, beating previously unbeaten Western Australian Cameron Lyons in a best-of-three fight-off to win the Australian title.
The Year 9 Thomas More College student competes in the Kumite section of karate (sparring where two karatekas engage in combat training with blocks and attacks from kata and kihon).
Adding to Liam’s success is that his dad, Matt, was named head coach of the Australian team, becoming the first Croweater to ever coach an Australian karate team at the level.
ROSE KISHINETS
Sport: Swimming
Age: 11
The St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School student defended her backstroke titles in the 50m and 100m at the Gold Coast Games (school sport nationals) in July while upholding her state record in the pool in the 50m event.
The Year 5 young gun also claimed the bronze medal in the 50 freestyle event.
Rose was SA’s only gold medallist at the Games and is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
BEAU LAWSON
Sport: Athletics
Age: 13
A gold medallist in the discus and hammer throw in the under-14 boys section at this year’s Australian Athletics Championships, Beau is only 13 but is quickly making his presence felt on the national stage.
“Beau is relatively new to the Athletics South Australia competition scene but the history he has in Little Athletics has him well placed to dominate all of the throw events - discus, shot put, hammer and javelin - in his age group,’’ said Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen.
“A current national champion in discus and hammer, there is a lot to come from this developing athlete.’’
JOSH LOUIS
Sport: Basketball
Age: 15
Josh won a bronze medal for South Australia’s under-16 boys basketball team at this year’s national championships and was so impressive he was chosen to attend the Australian selection camp for the FIBA under-15 Oceania Cup.
He is described as an elite shooting guard “who racks up the points’’.
“Josh has deceptive pace and is an excellent shooter,’’ said Basketball SA performance pathways leader (men’s) Sam Adams.
PHOEBE LUCAS
Sport: Hockey
Age: 15
Phoebe is an exceptionally fast and skilful midfielder known for her tenacity and strong work ethic on the hockey field.
Her speed allows her to cover ground quickly, both in attack and defence, making her a crucial link between the lines.
Phoebe, who plays for the Adelaide Hockey Club’s under-15 girls team, has a natural ability to read the game, which, combined with her skill set, enables her to transition the ball smoothly and create opportunities for her teammates.
“Her determination and resilience stand out, as she consistently puts in the effort to outmanoeuvre opponents and maintain control under pressure,’’ according to the Hockey SA pathways program.
“Phoebe shows excellent potential as a future leader in any team she represents.’’
AWAK JUNIOR MACHAR
Sport: Basketball
Age: 15
Like Josh Louis, Awak was a key member of the South Australian team that won a bronze medal at this year’s national under-16s boys basketball championships.
He performed so well at the nationals that he also earned selection in the Australian training camp for the FIBA under-15 Oceania Cup.
The tall Southern Tigers’ centre is described as a “terrific shot blocker and rebounder’’.
JAMES MITCHELL
Sport: Athletics
Age: 15
James claimed gold in the under-16 boys long jump event at this year’s Australian Athletics Championships.
Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen described the 15-year-old as “a national champion long jumper who also enjoys the sprints’’.
“James is regularly on the podium in South Australia and is ready to mix it with the best in the country in his age group,’’ he said.
IRIS NEWMAN
Sport: Football
Age: 15
The North Adelaide teenager loves to use her exceptional pace on the wing.
Iris was selected as a member of South Australia’s under-16 girls football squad this year before being ruled out with a finger injury.
The Wilderness School student was a member of the Crows’ Next Generation Academy in 2023 and made this year’s School Sport Australia 15-and-under girls football All-Australian team after playing a starring role in SA’s carnival victory.
SOFIA PAUL
Sport: Netball
Age: 15
Sofia is one of South Australia’s most promising young netballers and is described as having “really good court craft and a smooth shooting action’’.
The goal shooter from Garville is in the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy emerging program and this year represented South Australia at the School Sport Australia 15-and-under national netball championships.
“Sofia is a really smart player who protects space well and can shoot from range,’’ said Thunderbirds emerging academy assistant coach Darren Saul.
“She is very accurate, has a strong work ethic and is very coachable.’’
Sofia has also been selected to advance to Phase 3 of the under-17 state team trials.
ZEMES PILOT HOLMES
Sport: Football, basketball
Age: 15
A multi-sport athlete, Zemes is a standout young footballer and basketballer.
In football, he is an athletic key forward who booted 32 goals from 15 games in South Adelaide’s SANFL under-16s team in 2024.
He had 13 disposals and kicked 1.3 in the Panthers’ under-16 grand final loss to Sturt at Adelaide Oval.
Measuring a tall 191cm, Zemes made this year’s State under-16 football and basketball squads.
In basketball, he also was selected to attend the Australian camp for the FIBA under-15 Oceania Cup.
JARRAH REIDY
Sport: Cricket
Age: 15
Left-arm speed demon is one of Australia’s most exciting young fast bowlers.
Jarrah was last month clocked at 127 kmph during a state under-age trial, making him one of the fastest bowlers for his age in the country.,
Selected in the team of the tournament at the under-15 School Sport Australia championships, he is also a member of the SA under-17 squad and took 50 wickets in all competitions last season.
Hailing from Port Lincoln, Jarrah plays SACA Premier Cricket for Glenelg.
“He’s a ripping kid who’s very quick and swings the ball into the batter,’’ SACA Pathways Academy head coach Shannon Tubb said.
NAHLA SALLEY
Sport: Tennis
Age: 13
Nahla is one of tennis’s and South Australia’s brightest young stars.
The 13-year-old Henley High School student has enjoyed an outstanding 2024 campaign at state and national 12-and-under and 13-and-under level.
Her achievements have included representing Australia on the European tour and getting through qualifying and making it to the second round of high level tournaments.
She was a key member of the SA team that finished runner-up in the 13-and-under Australian
junior teams’ championships and has made national development squads.
AMELIA SHERIDAN
Sport: Athletics
Age: 13
A standout cross country runner, Amelia won gold at under-14 level at the National Cross Country championships.
“After moving down from Queensland, Amelia has had a major impact on the distance running scene,’’ Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen said.
“A national cross country champion this year, she already has posted times that has her ranked in the top 10 athletes in South Australia across all age groups.’’
JAIKAR SINGH
Sport: Cricket
Age: 14
An aggressive, top-order batter, Jaikar made more than 1000 runs last season and performed strongly for SA at this year’s male under-15 School Sport Australia cricket championships in Queensland.
A classy, right-handed batter, he also bowls some handy right-arm leg-spin.
“He’s been a standout in his age group,’’ SACA Pathways Academy head coach Shannon Tubb said.
Jaikar plays SACA Premier Cricket for Adelaide.
LILLIAN STERRY
Sport: Baseball
Age: 13
Lillian is one of South Australia’s brightest young baseball prospects.
A star pitcher, she was a part of the SA Seahorses team that won gold at the Barclay Cup - one of the most prestigious junior female baseball tournaments in the country - in NSW in October.
Lillian was the starting pitcher in the gold medal match against the NSW Giants.
Dominant for her club side, Adelaide, she has been described by Baseball SA as “one of the most talented up-and-coming women’s players going around”.
Her idols are US Major League stars Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) and Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and her aim is to “play in another country, representing Australia’’.
ILUKA-ROSE TAYLOR
Sport: Athletics
Age: 15
Iluka-Rose is one of South Australia’s most promising young athletes.
She won gold in the long jump and silver in the 400 metres in the under-16 girls section at this year’s Australian Athletics Championships.
Athletics SA pathways manager Kurt Olsen described her as “a very talented, developing athlete who is focused on sprints and jumps’’.
“Iluka regularly finds herself on the podium both at state and national level, even when she is racing in older age groups,’’ he said.
LILLIAN THOMAS
Sports: Cricket, football
Age: 15
Lillian is another all-round sporting talent, excelling in cricket and football.
She plays club cricket for Adelaide and club football for Norwood and has made girls state teams in both sports.
A cricket all-rounder, she has represented South Australia at the past two under-16 girls national championships and is still eligible for this year’s titles.
This year she played state under-15 cricket and football and was a member of Norwood’s under-15 development team.
Lillian featured in both of the SA under-16 girls games at this year’s successful AFL national championships and is an exciting football prospect who has a natural flair for finding the ball.
Her strong work ethic and running power allows her to rack up disposals in the midfield.
The Banksia Park International High School student also made the 2024 School Sport Australia 15-and-under girls football All-Australian team.
LIAM WARD
Sport: Hockey
Age: 13
Liam is an outstanding young goalkeeper with a promising future in hockey.
Despite his young age, he has already proven himself at under-14 and under-16 State team levels, showcasing his adaptability and high-level skill set.
The Adelaide Hockey Club under-14 boys representative has a strong foundational technique, with excellent basics around goal protection, positioning and shot-stopping.
“His reactions are quick and he has a confident command of his defensive area, effectively organising his defenders and making decisive saves,’’ the Hockey SA pathways program reports.
“His maturity and composure under pressure set him apart and he consistently shows a growth mindset in training and matches.
“With continued development, Liam has the potential to become a leading goalkeeper in his age group and beyond.’’
NATE WENSKE
Sport: BMX
Age: 11
The Year 5 Trinity College student is already competing on the world stage, travelling to Rockhill in the US, where he claimed third place in his age group at the BMX World Championships.
Nate has also achieved some outstanding results on home soil, winning the Australian National Series and the South Australian Championships.
He also finished second in the Australian National Championships.
Nate is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
MATILDA WHITE
Sport: Soccer
Age: 11
Matilda by name and possibly Matilda by nature.
This young soccer star is well and truly living up to her first name, scoring goals as a talented young soccer player.
Last year Matilda was selected for the West Ham Academy in England, illustrating her enormous potential.
The winger/striker was also chosen as a member of the SA State Schools team for the national titles and is in the 2024 boys FSA squad.
Matilda is a finalist in the Individual Primary Section of the 2024 South Australian School Sports Awards.
TAJ WILLIAMS
Sport: Baseball
Age: 15
The Adelaide Angels hitter possesses real power at the plate and represented Australia’s under-16s in the US this year.
The 15-year-old is a strong batter and fine infielder who was the second-youngest player in the Australian junior team.
“Taj loves baseball so much that I reckon he would spend 24 hours a day on a baseball field if he could,’’ said South Australia under-16s coach Andrew Couzner.
“He’s tall, strong and athletic and has great bat-to-ball skills.’’
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Originally published as 50 under 15: SA’s next wave of athletes aged 15-and-under to watch
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Druggie smugglers: Prison guard sentenced for bringing contraband into prison
A Mount Gambier Prison Officer has learned his fate after conspiring with prisoners and a co-offender to sneak in tobacco and illicit drugs inside their underwear.
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‘Betrayal of trust’: Perverted school teacher jailed for vile acts
A drunk Adelaide primary school teacher is behind bars after he preyed on multiple students, which was slammed by a judge as an “appalling” breach of trust.
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