2025 Basketball Australia Under-18 National Championships: Tasmania hoping to emulate last year’s heroics

Two wins over basketball powerhouse Victoria Metro proved Tasmania’s girls belonged with the best at last year’s U18 nationals and it’s the confidence from that driving their campaign in Moreton Bay.

The memory of taking down a previously unconquerable foe is fuelling the belief of Tasmania’s under-18 girls squad before the national championships begin in Moreton Bay on Sunday.

Having never beaten Victoria Metro at nationals before, Tasmania beat them not once, but twice, in a landmark achievement for the state.

Hobart Phoenix big Eva Schulze was part of that squad and has been named vice-captain this year, with Southern Wolves player Portia Chopping the skipper.

The two sides will meet on day three of the 2025 Basketball Australia Under-18s and Junior Wheelchair Nationals from Moreton Bay.

That match will be streamed live and exclusive on KommunityTV on Tuesday, April 8 with every match from the tournament also available from April 6-13.

U18 NATIONALS HUB: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, LIVE STREAM LINKS, FULL SCHEDULE

The first win over Victoria Metro has even more merit given they achieved it without Australian representative Lucy Aherne, who rolled her ankle in an earlier match.

“We have a lot of confidence after beating Vic Metro twice last year, they’ll be wanting to put that back on us,” Schulze said.

“It was a really great experience to be a part of. The inspiration it gave our team to be better was so empowering.

Eva Schulze and Portia Chopping will lead Tasmania’s outfit at the U18 National Championships. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It showed we have a lot of talent coming through the program.”

Schulze feels more prepared to have a big impact after playing as a bottom ager last year.

“I’m definitely more confident than last year, and being vice-captain helps knowing the team backs me,” she said.

“They (direct rivals she guards) definitely have the size advantage over me, but hopefully my strength and technique to guard bigs can help me along the way. Playing centre most of my life helps me guard a big and score under pressure with them.

“Our goal is to make sure we develop throughout games, and get better each game.”

Chopping also captained the state under-16 side two years ago, and is confident the team can acquit itself well.

“The first goal is to make the quarterfinals, and from there go as high as we can,” Chopping said.

“We’ve got some bottom ages as well and most of the top ages are back. We’ve got a strong group and everyone’s been working together the last few years.”

Schulze and Chopping said the expected announcement a Tasmania team will enter the WNBL will help the game thrive in the state.

“It would give a goal for the girls to strive for and people to look up to, it’d be a great thing to have in Tasmania,” Schulze said.

Chopping added: “A lot of us are striving to be given an opportunity to play in the WNBL. All the junior girls are going to see that as a real opportunity.”

Originally published as 2025 Basketball Australia Under-18 National Championships: Tasmania hoping to emulate last year’s heroics