Our Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball teams proudly represented Encounter at the 2025 Australian Schools Championships (ASC) on the Gold Coast, delivering a week of determination, resilience, and growth both on and off the court. 

Across five days of competition, the teams faced strong opposition from schools around the country, meeting each challenge with maturity, teamwork, and an unwavering competitive spirit.

The boys showcased notable improvement as the tournament progressed, quickly adapting to the elevated intensity and physicality of ASC-level basketball, which was evident during their game against Erindale on Monday night. Their commitment to defend, trust, and willingness to share the ball were standout strengths. Beyond the results, the group displayed excellent sportsmanship and upheld our school values with pride.

This year also marked an exciting milestone for our program, with Oscar Eldridge joining the coaching staff for his first appearance at the ASC as Boys Head Coach. His calmness, knowledge, and player-focused approach made an immediate impact throughout the week. Alongside him, Rachel Grant guided our girls exceptionally well, through implementing three team concepts, that were embraced with confidence.

• Embrace the journey
• Don’t expect perfection
• Together

A new and young team... but this became who we are and how we played. 

A perfect 4-0 run through the pool games was built on a willingness to hunt the ball defensively and to work together for beautiful ball movement. We secured a strong Quarter Final win as well, before running into a physical and experienced Cabra team in the Semi Final. 

While we didn’t bring the bronze medal home in the final game, the learning and the growth through the week was immense. Improved composure and organisation against the next level of physicality and defensive pressure was proof that the journey this week was one built on teamwork and trust, embracing new opportunities and the joy of being together. 

We are extremely proud of their efforts and look forward to building on this momentum moving forward.