WHEN local basketball guru Jan Hilton required help with assembling portable backboards for her Port Stephens Basketball Association under 10s skills sessions she didn’t need to look far.
The hard-working team at the Raymond Terrace Mens Shed came to the rescue and set up the backboards in time for the launch of the Aussie Hoops program for mini ballers at nearby Boomerang Park.
An excited Hilton – who founded the fledgling Port Stephens Basketball Association in 2025 – told News Of The Area that acquiring the portable backboards was a huge benefit following strong interest in the community for children as young as six to learn to play basketball through skills and games.
“Our under-10s have commenced the Aussie Hoops program, which runs each Tuesday at Boomerang Park from 3.45pm to 4.30pm”, she said.
The Port Stephens Basketball Association (PSBA) play exhibition matches for under-12 to under-14s each Friday afternoon at Tomaree High School and continue to foster the Stingrays representative squads.
Jan said that the association would send two under-18 Port Stephens Stingrays representative teams to the South Coast Classic junior basketball carnival from October 3-5 at the Snakepit Stadium in Wollongong.
“We have also formed a Boys under-12s Stingrays representative team for the first time,” Jan said.
“They experienced their first challenge when four of our representative squads competed against the Hunter Academy of Sport in under-12s, under-16s and under-18s fixtures recently at Broadmeadow.”
Meanwhile outstanding 15-year-old prospect Lilly Bower has just returned from the United States where she toured with the AUSA Hoops and impressed talent scouts.
“Lilly made an impact during her three-week venture overseas,where she played competitive basketball against elite juniors and caught the eye of keen judges,” Jan said..
“She made the most of her opportunities and was fortunate enough to receive two offers for college scholarships.”
By Chris KARAS
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