Rockhampton basketballers to compete at First Nations Championships

Three Rockhampton basketballers will hit the court on the Gold Coast next month in an annual tournament celebrating Indigenous culture and talent. Read how a passionate mum made their team a reality.

Rockhampton basketballers Chace Webber, Boston Butler and Charlie McGilvray are gearing up for the First Nations Championships on the Gold Coast.

The Warriors under-12 boys basketballers will have one fervent supporter in their corner when they hit the court at the First Nations Championships next month.

Kassie Hooper was the driving force behind the formation of the team, which includes her son Chace Webber and fellow Rockhampton players Boston Butler and Charlie McGilvray.

She will be manager, and is excited the players will get to not only showcase their sporting skills but also further explore their culture.

Kassie Hooper with son Chace Webber. who will play at the Basketball Championships First Nations Championships.

Chace is a proud Ghungalu/ Wiradjuri boy, Boston is of Aboriginal/South Sea Islander heritage and Charlie is from the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal tribe.

They will suit up in a special kit, designed by Boston’s dad Brandon, a renowned Indigenous artist.

Hooper said she had been trying to put together a Rockhampton-based team for the championships for some time without success.

The Warriors under-12 boys basketball team uniforms designed by Brandon Butler:

When she saw that an under-12 division would be included for the first time, she contacted Basketball Queensland asking if it would accept individual nominations.

She was instead provided with contacts of parents of players from the south-east who might be interested in forming a team.

She recruited three of them - and the Warriors were born.

Hooper then locked in Luke Greany as coach and secured a number of sponsors to cover the cost of the uniforms, team registration and accommodation.

Rockhampton's Luke Greany will coach the Warriors.

She said she wanted to provide every opportunity for Chace to connect with and learn more about his culture, and was thrilled for Boston and Charlie to have that chance as well.

“The boys will get to do that - while playing the game they love,” she said.

“This is something I am really passionate about and want to encourage more of.

“It’s going to be a great experience.”

Hooper said the trio, who play their club basketball for Frenchville Panthers, would provide plenty of firepower on the court.

Chace Webber in action for the Rockhampton Rockets under-12s.

Chace was an integral member of the Rockhampton Rockets under-12s who won silver in Division 1 at the state championships earlier this year, while Boston played for the Rockhampton Jets at the same event and Charlie is looking to break on to the rep scene next year.

Hooper has high hopes for the Warriors at the championships, which start on December 17.

“I’m hoping they can get the win,” she said.

“I guess that’s every team’s expectation but we’ve got some really strong players.

“I’m really excited to see how they go.”

Meet the Rockhampton players

Chace Webber

Burst onto the scene at age nine, making his first Rocky rep team that year. A forward/centre, he is a go-to defensive player who can execute on the run. He also possesses a great jump shot from the elbow and can be relied upon in crucial game moments.

Boston Butler

A quick guard who is a very willing passer with good vision. A very capable scorer who is creative around the basket with a good finish on his left and right hand. Started playing at age six.

Charlie McGilvray

A strong defender who is also a sharp-shooter. Started playing basketball in 2022 at age eight and gets better with every game. He is eager to learn and constantly working on his skills, particularly his shooting technique.

Originally published as Rockhampton basketballers to compete at First Nations Championships