A Maribyrnong College student has recently returned home from a successful National Basketball Championships with the under-16 Victoria Country team in Perth.
Sonny Maxwell started playing basketball at Sunbury in the under-12 following in his father’s footsteps, who played representative basketball growing up.
“It feels really great and a huge honour to represent Vic country at this campaign and such a privilege to be playing at this level,” he said.
Sonny attended the competition in July with the help of a $750 travel grant from McEwen MP Rob Mitchell.
Sonny said the trip was a good experience, and follows being named as an emergency for the side last year.
“It was my first time competing interstate and I learnt a lot from it, which I can take into the future,” Sonny said.
“My team came fifth and it was a good experience… I had never been to Western Australia before so it was new for me but it is a cool place.”
Sonny said the team was able to explore Perth in between games, and he is now focusing on the final weeks of his basketball season in Victoria.
Mr Mitchell said it is important to recognise and assist local sporting champions for their ongoing commitment and dedication.
“These young people deserve all the recognition they can get,” he said.
“All the applicants really stood out for their commitment, especially in sports that don’t always get a lot of recognition.”
Fellow teammates Samuel Haslett and Alex Grey also received a grant from Mr Mitchell for travel costs.
Zoe Moffatt
