Shining a spotlight on the U12 Girls, Boys netball squads who did Queensland proud at nationals 2024
The talent pool of netball in Queensland is ever growing, and if the recent Under-12s School Sport Nationals are anything to go by, there’s no slowing down. Meet the squads and hear how they brought home gold and bronze:
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The talent pool of netball in Queensland is ever growing, and if the recent Under-12s School Sport Nationals are anything to go by, there’s no slowing down.
Led by Canterbury College’s Deanne Hamilton (girls) and Daisy Hill’s Justin Wise (boys) the sides returned from the week-long tournament in Melbourne with gold and bronze medals respectively.
“This year it was great to just come home with a medal, the competition has improved so much,” Wise said of his boys’ success.
“Teams have researched on structure and processes and we were a little bit ahead of that last year.”
Queensland last year claimed gold at the invitational nationals, but as the esteemed coach pointed out, rival states had done their due diligence in building mens netball.
“Lost of the others states have gone and done some homework ... we were a little bit ahead of that last year,” he said.
“Even though we had structure and process, when you’re around a 10 to 12 years boys competition - that is still fairly new - you need to know what’s going on around (you).
“I think that’s one of our goals moving forward, we’ve got to play to oppositions and adjust.
“To come away with a bronze medal in a fierce competition was outstanding.”
For many years Queensland has been a hub for developing boys netball, but it was evident to Wise that the host state - Victoria - were now leading the charge.
“Victoria have got a very good program and great structures in place right down to the grassroots,” he said.
“They actually have 12 (years) boys in teams playing against each other.
“That was a credit to their success this year.”
Regardless of where Queensland sits on the pecking order of producing top-tier men’s netball, Wise is eager to follow in the leading State’s footsteps and continue growing the sport.
“100 percent we can (follow) ... watch this space and let’s go Queensland,” he said.
“I’ve got goosebumps just talking about it.”
MORE: UNDER-12 GIRLS
For the girls, it was extra special to come home one spot above where they finished in 2023 - regardless of having to share with South Australia (note: U12s do not play finals).
“Definitely happy to share,” Hamilton said.
“(South Australia) were a very strong performing team throughout the competition.
“It would have been nice to have the standalone gold, however the girls had to work really hard to stay on top of the ladder so it’s an excellent result.”
The squad was comprised of entirely new faces: girls who, despite representing Queensland in other sports including Australian rules football and basketball, had never donned the maroon dress at a netball nationals.
Sophia Guthrie was the only bottom age athlete, sister of Queensland Under-17s player Ava and daughter of former Queensland Firebird (then Firestones) Leanne.
“For some of them, it was their first time away, their first time on a plane.
“Going to Melbourne was a big deal.
“They were aware of how to manage themselves and their wellbeing during a schoolgirls competition, so it was all really positive,” Hamilton said.
“They take on board all the feedback and it was really good to see their progression through the championship.”
In Under-12s, every player must take the court for 50% of the possible quarters, and no player is permitted to play more than eight quarters of a possible 12 per day.
With this in mind, Queensland were conscious of playing smart as much as they played hard. It paid off.
“The key to our championship was during round one when we played every team for the first time, every player got to take the court and that gave them exposure to each State and different styles of netball,” Hamilton said.
“In round two we were able to work our combinations and hit that 50% court time.
“The balance we got right.”
Hamilton has spent most of her regional and State coaching career in the 13-15 and 16-19 years divisions, and while the competition may differ in some ways, she was impressed with the quality of performance on display at such a young age.
“I think regardless of the age group ... the game structure we executed meant the girls turned over a lot of ball and were able to celebrate that with goals.
“It’s a little bit different in terms of pace of the game, but the structure and energy and intensity they played at was the same.“Having a lot to do in the 15s and 19s space at South Coast, means quite a few of those girls I’ll see through the pathway ... it’ll be interesting to see State Championships in years to come.
“It’s really exciting for Queensland School Sport.”
UNDER-12 GIRLS
Abi Byrne
With a strong hold and accurate shooting, this young Sunshine Coast athlete has demonstrated the Queensland values both on and off the court - resulting in co- captaincy.
Sophia Guthrie
The youngest of the Queensland team, Guthrie is already a long bomb specialist. Cool under pressure and her energy is infectious.
Rylah Moananu
Able to shoot and swing to defence - Moananu is a weapon no matter which end she plays. Great hands and a deadly shoulder pass - she is an impact player.
Nayla Danielson
A versatile athlete, Danielson’s ability to read the play and respond is second to none. Across GA,WA and in defence, she will always lead by example
Zaib Premani
With speed to burn, this centre court athlete is certain to make an impact wherever her netball takes her. Strong drives and great feeds will dominate her play.
Alysha Hayer
Hayer played GA at the State Championships but it is in the centre court that she made her mark at nationals. With an ability to find space and hit circle edge, her impact was noticeable.
Nahla Moke
An all round great athlete, Moke represented Queensland for the third time this year having already competed in Aussie rules and basketball. Speed, netball smarts, natural leader - she brought composure and strength to the centre court combinations.
Isabella Della Bosca
Tall and athletic, Della Bosca rounded out the squad’s centre court. A deadly shoulder and great feeder of the ball, she will be a force across WD, C and WA as her finer skills develop with experience.
Ilsa Booth
A great tracker of her player, Booth turns the ball over and gets rebounds all day. She simply dominates in the circle.
Elvie Saltner
With incredible closing speed and agility, Saltner gets intercepts from nowhere. She is a mature defender who has a huge impact on the stat sheet every time she take the court - be it tips, pickups or rebounds.
Phoenix Talaapitaga
Able to play across all defensive positions, Talaapitaga’s read of the play and strong rebounding will proved impactful against every attacking combination thrown at her.
Allyssa Lateo
Lateo owns the WD position. Her exceptional read of the play, ball skills and athleticism brought a dynamic element to the QLD defence.
UNDER-12 BOYS
Marion Inoke
A gentle composed GS that has a bright future in netball. Can pull a ball in one handed like the pros.
Hudson Taylor
What coach Justin Wise describes as a ‘true netballer’. He strives to improve his craft at every opportunity. Great team person.
Kyuss Barba
This kid can don any bib. He works hard for his team and is a great asset both on and off the court.
Lachlan Vercoe
A midcourter with all the moves, Vercoe’s fake passes are on point. He plays with heart this kid.
Zac Stafford
This little pocket rocket just keeps going. He boasts great vision into the circle, and his goal assist stats are very high.
Zachaeus Colompar
From the soccer fields to the netball court, this zippy midcourter has branded himself a netballer. He is fantastic to watch and defensively a machine.
Taiao Pirangi-Pokaia
Offers vision and passion for the game like no other. Can feed a circle and is not afraid to put up a shot as well.
Rudi
A mean machine WD, Rudi puts pressure on his player to wear them down and his ethic is second to none.
Zander Robson
Robson is a complete work horse. His hands over pressure is impressive, and watching him in action to take an intercept is mesmerising.
Christian McKain
McKain reads the play like a pro. He is another defensive player that has great hands over and dictates where he wants his opponent to be.
Joel Smith
Is there anything this kid can’t do? Smith stuns with tips, intercepts and textbook drives through the court.
Tyson Hobman-Te Kira
Vertical jump is outstanding. Leaps through the court to take incredible intercepts and is always there to help out his teammates.
Originally published as Shining a spotlight on the U12 Girls, Boys netball squads who did Queensland proud at nationals 2024
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