2025 Basketball Australia U16 National Championships live stream: Tassie talents ready to step onto national stage

Excitement is building for Tasmania’s top young basketballers as they get set to test their skills against the country’s best in Bendigo at the U16 Nationals. See how to watch them live.

Tasmania’s emerging basketballers are embracing the challenge of stepping into the unknown when many make their debut on the national stage next week.

For youngsters like Darcy Hickey and Paige Nowland, the Basketball Australia Under-16 National Championships in Bendigo are the first chance to gauge their skills against the country’s best prospects.

Southern Wolves’ Darcy Hickey is still 14 and is keen to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

Every match of the national championships will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV from July 5-13.

“I’m really excited. There’s a few nerves but I can’t wait to get to that competition over there and see how we go,” Hickey said.

Tasmania player Darcy Hickey. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I love bringing up the ball and love been scrappy and going hard at it on defence.

“I think it will be a great opportunity, being able to bond and connect with our relationships.

“The squad looks good and we’re all very keen and getting in the work in, I think we’ve got a real good shot against the other teams.”

A point guard or wing/forward, Kingborough’s Paige Nowland hopes to use her versatility to her advantage.

“I’m looking forward to just going out there and having a crack, to just give it my all every game because you only get the opportunity a couple of times,” she said.

Tasmania player Paige Nowland. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The 15-year-old said she was eagerly anticipating Tasmania’s WNBL side, with an announcement from the league and the JackJumpers looming.

“It would be a great opportunity for us young ones to have a chance to have something to aim for and play at a high level,” she said.

Basketball Tasmania development manager Nic Martin said the unpredictability of the under-16s tournament is compelling.

“One of the most exciting things about under-16s is there’s so many unknowns, and it’s good to sit back and see what happens,” he said.

“Some players can really step up and stand out, but there’s always one or two who don’t have much expectations on them and they absolutely blossom in that environment.

“The teams have had good preparation and played a bunch of games in tournaments here in Tasmania.

Tasmania’s nationals campaign will begin on Sunday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“They’ve played together a lot now and through the prep have had a good mix of good games and reality checks.

“We feel confident the prep has been really good and optimistic if we get everything working, the teams can definitely compete for a quarter final spot and from there, who knows?”

Tasmania’s girls and boys teams begin their campaigns on Sunday against Queensland South and Victoria Metro respectively, both from 12pm.

TASMANIA SQUADS

Boys: Cooper Baker (Burnie), Greyson Boxhall (Penguin), Johnty Dynan (Burnie), Darcy Hickey (Southern Wolves), Ryan Lamprey (Glenorchy), Isaac McMullen (Kingborough), Riley Powell (Launceston), Khobe Speed (Southern Wolves), Kaelan Thomas (Devonport), Prince Williams (Launceston)

Girls: Eliza Boucher (Dominoes), Georgia Freeman (Launceston), Elka Hutton (Wynyard), Elliot Jordan-Gossage (Launceston), Bronte Krapf (Launceston), Maddison Mayne (Penguin), Brydee McPherson (Latrobe), Chloe Neate (Launceston), Paige Nowland (Kingborough), Ellie Schulze (Glenorchy)