Sport
3 June, 2023
Teenagers are over the hoop
Local basketballers representing state at national championships in WA
TEENAGERS Joshua Hosking and Saxon Toyne have been selected as part of the under-16 Queensland team as the only two Cairns athletes to compete in the basketball Australian National Championship this July in Perth.
The under-16 national championships will be disputed from July 2-9 in Warwick, Western Australia.
The cost of the training camps and trip to WA come to an expensive $4500 per athlete and both teens and their families are putting their efforts into fundraising to achieve the goal before July.
The 15-year-olds and Queensland Basketball representatives have been playing basketball since they can remember, and after years of preparation and training, they have achieved the dream of playing a national championship.
For Mr Hosking, basketball has always been a family business, and he plans on continuing the legacy.
“My mum started playing when she was young, and when I was about six I went to one of her games. It was the first time I ever watched basketball,” the Brinsmead teen said.
“I really enjoyed it, and I asked her to sign me up.”
Years later, Mr Hosking is now preparing for his first-time representing Queensland.
“I’ve been playing in rep teams since I was eight and every year I’ve played in the division one team, and this is my first time playing Queensland,” he said.
“We’ve just arrived from Townsville, where we’ve been training, and we’re going train for the next two months, then we’re going to Perth.
“I’m nervous but excited. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.”
Mr Toyne, based in Kanimbla, has represented Queensland once before and is excited to be able to do it again with his teammate.
“I started playing basketball in school when one of my teachers saw I was quite tall, and he told me I should play basketball,” he said.
“This is my third time playing in rep teams but my second time representing Queensland.
“I’m pretty excited to go away and compare yourself to the rest of Australia and see where you’re at.”
Both Mr Hosking and Mr Toyne play power forward positions, and they said this gave them an advantage in the competition.
“Since we play the same position, we’re constantly pushing each other to be better,” they said.
“I think my strong point is my leadership on and off the court; I can encourage my teammates,” Mr Hosking said.
To support and/or donate for the teens’ trip to nationals, email Cherie Hosking at charliemango78@yahoo.com.au
