BASKETBALL runs through the veins of tireless volunteer and highly respected sports administrator Janice Hilton.
With more than five decades of experience as a player, coach and official, the determined stalwart is on a mission to revitalise the sport in the Port Stephens region.
As founder of the fledgling Port Stephens Basketball Association (PSBA), Janice and a growing crew of volunteers are toiling hard behind the scenes to provide a platform for local aspiring hoopers.
Formed in 2025, the Association has introduced a domestic Friday night twilight competition at the Tomaree High School courts for budding basketballers in the Under 12s to Under 18 age groups.
A driving force for her organisation, Janice has also paved the way for the association to field Port Stephens Stingrays representative tour teams.
These will include promising junior players in the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age divisions lining up against other associations in carnival challenge matches across the state.
The experienced coach coordinator is keen to build pathways and opportunities for local hoopers.
“With Maitland and Newcastle associations brimming with huge numbers, our association can cater for locals and other juniors from the Hunter seeking a game,” Janice told News Of The Area.
Last Friday, the PSBA showcased the region through sports tourism with seven juniors attending a stingrays feeding session at the Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters centre at Anna Bay.
Talented prospects Dustyn Anderson, 14; Philip Kipfer, 16; Kye Boughton, 16; Deegan McNaughton, 16; Cameron Andrews, 17; Daniel Muldoon, 14 and Sean Ratchatapipat, 14, were given an educational talk on stingray conservation by Managing Director Ryan Pereira.
The Port Stephens Stingrays tour teams were formed last year with the Under 18 Boys representing the region with distinction at the Coffs Harbour Classic Carnival in February.
“The teams comprise players from Nelson Bay, Kurri Kurri and Singleton with our Under 14s, 16s and 18s invited to play carnival matches against Taree in coming weeks in Kempsey,” said Janice.
Port Stephens Basketball boasts an experienced panel of top level coaches in the evergreen Hilton, Vince Van Arend, Kurri’s Nigel Boughton and Matt Szkeptowski from Limeburners Creek.
By Chris KARAS
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