Northern Territory push a strong Victoria Metro outfit with Joel De Barros a standout, and Sophie Palmer leading girls’ team well

THE Northern Territory boys’ basketball team showed flashes of title-winning qualities during the Australian Under-18 Championships at Werribee on Sunday.

Joel De Barros, pictured playing for Ansett, has led Northern Territory well during its first two games at the 2021 Australian Under-18 Championships at Werribee. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Northern Territory boys’ basketball team showed flashes of title-winning qualities during the Australian Under-18 Championships at Werribee on Sunday.

While the young men in ochre lost 96-51 to traditionally-strong Victoria Metro in their second game of the competition, Basketball NT high-performance manager Rod Tremlett saw plenty of promising signs.

“We were only down by three at halftime,” Tremlett told the NT News.

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“Our offence made Vic Metro switch to a zone defence, which is unusual for a team that strong.

“But then our boys struggled a little (in the second half) against their size and athleticism.

“Our captain Joel De Barros was really good in this game, and Anthony Rowse has been really good defensively in both games.

“Clayton Jewell got a double-double for us in the first game (a 110-57 loss to Queensland North) which was his first at a national tournament.

“Joel’s shot is always improving, and he’s been a great leader for the team on and off the court.

“He's having a really good season with Woodville in Adelaide (averaging 13.83 points per game at Under-18 Division 1 level).”

The Territory girls have lost 103-55 to South Australia Country and 103-49 to NSW Metro.

“Our captain Sophie Palmer has been really good at point guard,” Tremlett said.

“She scored 19 points in the first game. And she controlled the team really well against NSW Metro, which is a top-four team.

“She’s maturing very well.”

On Monday, the Territory boys will take on ACT and the girls will face Victoria Metro.