By Ewen McRae
A group of basketballers from Exford Primary School are shooting for the top this week, as they take on some of the best teams in the state.
The school’s grade 5/6 girls team will compete in the state championships on November 19, after winning their way through the qualification and now being among the best eight school sides of their age in Victoria.
Coach Ross Gundry said it was a huge achievement for the school and the team.
“This is the first time we’ve got to this stage in any sport in Exford’s history, so it’s pretty exciting,” Mr Gundry said.
“They’re a very talented group. Really hard working and fit, and we moved through some of the early rounds pretty easily and then had to fight hard in the regionals round to get to this point.
“We don’t really have a basketball court at Exford, so there’s been some challenges along the way.”
While most of the team play basketball outside of school, they play on different sides, and have gelled together to form a formidable unit.
Mr Gundry said his side was up for the challenge.
“I think some of the teams that we’ll come up against will be teams that train together at school and play in competitions together as well, so they’ll be well drilled opposition,” he said.
“Having said that, I’m super proud of the side whatever happens, they’ve really done the school proud.
“What an achievement it would be for a school like Exford, a tiny little country town, to be state champions. It would be unbelievable.”
