Basketball NT will send two Under 18 teams to the SA Country Basketball Championships. Watch the livestream from Monday (SA Junior Country Championships )

For the first time in at least 25 years, the Territory will send a group of young basketballers to the SA Junior Country Championships in Adelaide. And we will stream all of the action live and exclusive.

For the first time in at least 25 years, the Territory will send a group of young and talented basketballers to the SA Junior Country Championships.

And Territorian basketball lovers will be able to watch the action LIVE and EXCLUSIVE at ntnews.com.au

Coach of the under-18 girl’s representative team and Basketball NT high performance manager, Rod Tremlett, said a tweak to the peak sporting body’s high performance program would allow aspiring players, who did not make the cut for the Australian junior championships, to experience “tournament play”.

“If you missed that team (in the past), you missed out,” Tremlett said.

“It’s the first time in my involvement in sport, 25 odd years, that we’ve had teams going to the SA Country Championships.”

He said the trip – with under-18 fixtures set for March 14 at Wayville, SA – would be a “development opportunity” for players.

WATCH ALL OF THE ACTION HERE

“It’s a great opportunity to go away and compete… gives our players an opportunity to understand what tournament play is about,” Tremlett said.

“It’s a good toe in the water for those kids… an opportunity they haven’t had before.

Darwin Salties women’s coach Rod Tremlett will marshall the Territory’s under-18 girls’ team at the SA County Championships. Picture: Supplied.

“We’ve tried to widen the net by changing the high performance program and bringing it within reach for more athletes.

“The kids will have a real experience.

“It’s a stack more opportunities for the kids, which is what it’s all about, and for the coaches.”

The boys’ outfit will take on Mount Gambier, Riverland, Barossa Valley and Yorke Valley at Wayville, whil the girls’ squad

Then, the girls’ team will compete against Eastern Hills, Mildura, Millicent, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Yorke Valley, also at Waville.

The squads at training last week. Picture: Rod Tremlett.

Basketball NT will also send two Under 16 teams, both boys’ and girls’ outfits, on March 27 in Adelaide.

The NT News will livestream all of the NT’s games at ntnews.com.au

Tremlett, who will also marshall the Darwin Salties women’s team this season, highlighted a few players to watch at the championships.

Tremlett has highlighted some of the players to look out for from each of the squads including Julia Pollon, Amy List, Vanessa Stanfield, Connor O’Hearn, George Healey-Bond and Levy Owino.

Julia Pollon (Ansett)

“She’s one who could potentially make the Salties academy. A point guard, she played for Ansett and has shown a lot of promise, I’m excited about what she can do at the next level.”

Amy List (Ansett)

“She made her league debut this year, at six foot three, we’re excited about her development at 17 years of age.”

Vanessa Stanfield (Tracy Village Jets)

“Another one at six foot three, 15 turning 16, she relocated her from Alice Springs to advance her basketball opportunities. She shows a great deal of potential.”

Connor O’Hearn

“He’s been in the high performance program for a few years.”

George Healey-Bond (Lightning)

“From Katherine, it’s the first time we’ve had players from Katherine in the program. He’s going to show a lot of promise at the champs.”

Levy Owino (Tracy Village Jets)

“We think he’s going to play a pretty significant role for the country champs team.”