Sassafras rising star Taylor Dyson, top left, with fellow Knox Raiders, Pat Mockiewicz, Shanae Greaves and Sam Donald have been named on the Victorian Metro squad for the national championships. 44076
TAYLOR Dyson’s dreams of playing college basketball are a step closer after he made the Victorian Metro under-18 men’s squad for first time.
The Sassafras 15-year-old and Knox Raider has been playing since he was just four and can’t imagine his life without the game.
“My brother made me play and I have been playing ever since … I love it,” Dyson said.
He is looking forward to taking the floor for Victoria Metro next month for the national championships.
Dyson hopes one day to play college basketball and even make the Australian Olympic team.
He will join veteran state team squad member and fellow Raider Pat Mockiewicz, 15, who is taking part in the nationals for the third time.
Mockiewicz started playing when he was six because he was allergic to the sun.
“My parents needed to find me an indoor sport,” he said.
Mockiewicz also hopes to play basketball professionally when he finishes school.
He said this year’s nationals should be a challenge but expects to bring home the flag.
Sam Donald has scored a spot on the women’s squad for the second time and is thrilled to get another chance to represent her state.
She has been playing since she was just four and loves the social aspect of the game.
“It’s fun playing with your friends and meeting new people,” she said.
Raider Shanae Greaves is taking the court at the nationals for the first time and hopes it will bring her one step closer to playing in the WMBL one day.
She has been playing since she was six after her mother signed her up for her first game.
“It’s (the nationals) really exciting, I can’t wait to get out onto the court,” Greaves said. These four Raiders will play a big role in the Australian championship in Terrigal in NSW next month.
Men’s head coach Alan McAughtry said his squad was selected after just two practice matches that followed the East Coast Challenge Tournament.
“I’m happy with the balance of the team … it was a difficult selection process and some very good players missed out on making the team,” he said.
“At the nationals we will be dealing with good-quality teams coached by ex-NBL and state coaches, so preparation is critical.”
McAughtry is expecting the men to play an up-tempo tough game.
“This year’s team is very talented and I expect all players to play a role,” he said.
In the women’s camp it’s much the same story. Head coach Wayne Pollock said it was a squad with many options to bring to the floor. We have strengths in all positions and a team that will have a very strong bench,” he said. Both squads have won the past three titles and are expected to bring them home again this year.”
