It was a hugely enjoyable day and on behalf of all our coaching staff, I would like to thank all the students for their effort, and for showing the spirit of determination, teamwork and sportsmanship that characterises our StGIS athletes.
On Saturday the boys and girls basketball teams set off for the annual jamboree in Salzburg, hosted by AIS Salzburg. The day was very busy commencing with team breakfasts in the boarding house at 7 am and finishing with the fantastic experience of watching a live Bundesliga basketball game involving the Salzburg mens team. This also gave the kids achance to see their coach strut his stuff courtside in a suit.
The Girls kicked off their day with a hard fought game against a very well drilled Budapest team. The girls performed admirably with Antonia Reinisch battling hard for the ball, while Veronika Necheva showed some great shooting ability. Unfortunately for the girls, Budapest were toowell trained and they lost the opening game. They then went on in a very impressive performance in a close game against rivals AIS Salzburg. The game was a classic score-for-score encounter and the girls were unlucky to come out on the wrong side of the result. However, they must be commended on effort with Maika fighting hard for every ball and putting in some blocks that the boyswould be proud of, while Vicki shot some beautiful baskets including a 3 pointer.
The boys were also involved in some tough and grueling encounters and came away with a commendable 3rd place finish. Their first game was a back and fourth dual against a very impressive Bratislava team. It was a great competition, which the boys managed to prevail in. Christian Kadletz and Lukas Kloss led the team well against a very creative point guard from Bratislava. The boys lost their second game against Budapest by asingle score, with some high-pressure situations keeping the referees on their toes. Undeterred by their earlier loss, the boys went in to a semifinal against Vöcklabruck basketball club, a very talented outfit who were clearly a step above the rest of the competition. Nevertheless, rather than shy away from the challenge the Saints boys raised their game, scoring their highest number of points all season. The boys then entered into a third place playoff, which they won comfortably. Mujtapa Wali put in one of his most impressive games of the season. Meanwhile, the power trio of Christian, Lukas and Michael were in free-scoring form. This victory was good enough for the 3rd place trophy, leaving the boys proud of their achievements but equally determined to come back and win next year. An additional highlight of the tournament was the inclusion of Christian Kadletz in the ‘team of the tournament’. All players and coaches voted the five best players of the tournament and Christian was recognised for his tenacity, un-relentless defense, on-court leadership and devastating reverse layup.
It was a hugely enjoyable day and on behalf of all our coaching staff, I would like to thank all the students for their effort, and for showing the spirit of determination, teamwork and sportsmanship that characterises our StGIS athletes.
Thank you also to Coach Aaron Mitchell, CoachHouse, Coach Seaman, Assistant Coach Rands.
Mr McAnerney
(Team Manager)
