By Liam Twomey
Maddison Rocci’s talents on court are making the western suburbs basketball community sit up and take notice.
The 15-year-old is now showing her skills in other parts of the world.
Rocci had her first overseas tour last month as she joined the under-17 Australian women’s side for a series of games in China.
Competing in the provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi, the Werribee resident looked right at home on the big stage, despite an ankle injury keeping her out of the early games.
She finished in style as Australia’s leading scorer against America with a haul of 11 points, while another good performance against China had the MacKillop College student rapt with her tournament.
“The second game against the US, I top- scored so that was a good game. The first one against China I was happy with as well.”
Rocci is now gearing up to play in the Australian under-17 women’s team that will compete at the world championships in late June.
Matches for the tournament will be played in Klatovy and Pilsen in the Czech Republic.
The point-guard is expected to find out if she has made the final squad this week.
When she isn’t scoring baskets for Australia, Rocci plays in the Big V competition for Werribee.
Although national commitments have allowed her to suit up in just three games this season, that hasn’t stopped her from having a big impact.
Rocci’s 11 points against the Whittlesea Pacers and 14 against the Latrobe City Energy helped the Devils secure two narrow wins in rounds 4 and 9.
Werribee women’s coach Lloyd Klaman is full of praise for the young star.
“She’s one of the quickest kids I’ve ever coached. She’s able to make plays that other kids wouldn’t even think about making and she makes the game look easy.
“The other thing is, she’s fearless. She’s 15 and at the weekend she was playing against girls who are between 20 and 30.”
For her outstanding sporting achievements, Rocci has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with
Star Weekly.
Rocci will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in her future sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
