Year 7/8 Basketball

This year has seen a record number of Year 7/8 students sign up to play basketball, and the talent level is through the roof. At the time of writing, the Scots Premier team is undefeated in the Intermediate Premier League (IPL), encompassing all of the values we want to build in our young athletes.

Not only is this age group a breeding ground for talent, but it is also where we develop our student coaches, and this year, two senior girls have stepped up to coach the IPL Premier team – Kate Pedro (Year 13) and Milly Burns (Year 12). “It’s a chance to give back to the Basketball Club that has given me opportunities to play as a student. I love working with kids and seeing them develop,” says Kate.

And what makes this team so successful? “We work together as a team. It’s great to see boys and girls with so much skill working together and keeping great team spirit,” Kate says.

Year 8 students Zaiden Filemu, Keira-El Curtis, and Saxon McPhee tell us about what they think makes this group so special.

When and why did you first start playing basketball?

Zaiden: I started when I was Year 2 or 3 because it just looked like a fun sport to play with friends.

Saxon: I started in Year 6, mainly because it looked like a good team sport but still requires good skills.

Keira-El: I started playing basketball in 2019 as a Year 3. I was first drawn to basketball because I watched my older brother play the sport a lot and wanted to try it for myself.

Who are your role models in basketball, and what parts of your game have you modelled after them?

Zaiden: Lebron James, because of the way he lifts his teams. He’s a great leader and brings the positive vibes. My strengths in the game are like his, I like driving to the hoop and passing.

Saxon: I like Giannis Antetokounmpo because he had a tough upbringing but overcame the odds to be so successful. But I model my game on Steph Curry because he has such amazing handles, is a great shooter but also gets his teammates involved with his passing.

Keira-El: My brother Jai, because he is extremely hard working and leads by example. I also really like to follow Ja Morant's style of play. He is an aggressive but creative player, which is how I like to play.

Can you describe what makes the IPL Basketball team so special?

Zaiden: For me it's friendship. We’re all so close and enjoy being on the court together.

Saxon: The strength of this team is that while everyone is quite skilled, we work really well as a team and compliment each other.

Keira-El: We have a strong group of players who work well together and we are currently undefeated this season.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced this season, and how have you overcome them?

Zaiden: Engaging in training after school is sometimes hard. After a long day of classes, it is hard to listen and keep learning. But we just put in the effort and keep working hard.

Saxon: There have been a few injuries and sicknesses. But it is good because everyone in the squad steps up when someone else is out.

Keira-El: We have had two close games so far this year where we have lost our lead during the game. Our team showed patience and worked hard to get back in front and eventually finish the game with a win.

What is a highlight from this season?

Zaiden: Winning our game against EBIS and remaining undefeated was a highlight. Seeing how happy our team is when we are playing well is awesome.

Saxon: Our first up game against last year's champions EBIS. Everyone stepped up and played their part, and no one was nervous.

Keira-El: Getting back on the court after a few weeks off injured definitely felt good.

What are you excited about in your basketball future?

Zaiden: Just continuing to make friends on and off the court.

Saxon: Meeting new players who I’ll play with in the future, and just seeing how I develop my game and continue to improve.

Keira-El: Probably self development, I want to get better at communicating with my teammates and enjoying the game.

It's certainly great to see the maturity and passion from the grass roots of the sport coming through. We look forward to following these students through their exciting futures on the basketball court.