Broncos Abroad - Girls take on US Elite Tournaments
Throughout early and mid-July, several Junior Broncos Girls participated with Aotearoa basketball Development group playing in the Girls Exposure Tour in California and The Main Event (Bigfoot Hoops) Tournament in Las Vegas.
Aotearoa Basketball Development Group create basketball pathways for both Aussies and New Zealanders.
The competition was very fierce at both. The girls had to make a few adjustments with the tough play and got their first win over a Hawaiian team.
In the Las Vegas tournament, the girls yet again had to readjust to the style of play and got a win against the overall champions of the tournament.
The girls got to board at UC Irvine college campus in California and were taken on a tour to explain how the college system works if any of them were considering going to college to play basketball and get an education.
During this time the girls also attended Shoot360; an amazing facility that analyses shooting, passing and dribbling techniques.
At the end of each tournament each girl received feedback from US high school and college coaches which each of them truly appreciated.
Antonio Lewis (Senior Womens Assistant Coach & U21 Girls coach) undertook his Gold Level coaching certification to be able to coach the girls at both events. The team consisted of Chelsea Lewis, Emma Povh, Rory Mollison, Ruby Smith and Shanae Hoffman from the U18/1’s and Kaitlyn Bickerton from the U18/2’s.
This experience has truly opened their eyes as to the opportunities that basketball can provide them.
Some Major Highlights over the trip included:
• meeting Shaq (yes – THE SHAQ) in California
• playing at the Mamba Centre (Kobe Bryant’s gym)
• 4th July Fireworks at Disneyland
What a great experience for the Girls! Go Broncos!
