Australian Schools Championship 2018

To most the first week in September holds a significant place in their hearts, however, the first week in December now holds a new place for the community of Encounter Lutheran College (ELC). On the 1st of December three basketball teams set off to Melbourne for the 2018 Australian Schools Championship (ASC). It was the first time the College had sent three teams (U17 Boys, U17 Girls & U20 Men), and more importantly a girls’ team.

ELC had a very successful State Championships campaign this year which saw five College teams qualify for the State Finals and make the semi-finals or better, with the Open Boys being crowned B-Grade State Champions. This State form provided significant self-belief among the playing group, which was invaluable as they headed to the Australian School Championships.

After a mixed start on Monday with the U17s losing to Berwick Grammar and the other teams finding success, it was a pleasing by Friday to have all three teams playing off for a medal. The College’s consistent performances was built on an exciting brand of fast, aggressive and attacking basketball. This yielded similar pathways for each team over the week.

U20 div 2 Men             Win/loss record 6 & 3

Finished 3rd after minor round games

Lost to Cabra Dominican College (SA) – Semi Final (by 21)

Defeated Tenison Woods College (SA) – 3rd/4th play off (by 8)
Bronze medallist

U17 div 3 Boys             Win/loss record 5 & 1

Finished first in their pool after minor round games

Defeated Knox Grammar (VIC) – Quarter Final (by 5)

Defeated Sydney Boys High (NSW) – Semi Final (by 35)

Defeated Berwick Grammar (VIC) – Grand Final (by 2)

Gold medallist

U17 div 3 Girls              Undefeated win/loss record 6 & 0

Finished first in their pool after minor round games

Defeated All Saints Anglican School (QLD) – Quarter Final (by 33)

Defeated Pymble Ladies College (NSW) – Semi Final (by 16)

Defeated Mountain Creek SHS (NSW) – Grand Final (by 10)

Gold medallist

Individually there were several stand out performances with Tahlia Griffiths (23.17 pts), Lewis Ridley (20.12 pts) and Daniel Smith (18.5 pts) averaging the most points per game in their competitions. Thank you to Dean Nyberg and Ryan Byrne from Southern Tigers for their continual support of the program over the year and for their efforts coaching during the week. Furthermore, thank you to Ty Corey and Physio-extra for their weekly assistance in player recovery and valuable information about sports nutrition.

Finally thank you to the Encounter Lutheran College community for your unwavering support of all College sport programs. Without your continual support it would not be possible to offer the students these wonderful learning opportunities.

Troy Wegener
Encounter Lutheran College
Specialist Basketball Coordinator