Apr
06
2017
All Stars thriller in Emerton
The Stand Tall All Stars Alumni program launched in Emerton last night as the players took to the court against the Emerton Youth Centre team for a friendly basketball game. The friendly match turned into an absolute thriller with a double overtime thriller with the All Stars team eventually winning the game by 2 points. It was a talented and spirited Emerton Youth team that took the All Stars by surprise with a home court passion that left the All Stars down by 3 with less than 10 seconds remaining. A 3 point buzzer beater took the game to overtime and the game just kept getting better with a double overtime before the All Stars edged in front for the victory.
Charity Bounce coaches Eban Hyams and Mahesh Padmanabhan, who have just returned from playing in the Indian National League, enjoyed re-uniting with their former players as part of the Alumni program launch. A highlight for both teams on the night was the ‘drop in’ of professional basketballer 6’11” Julian Khazzouh who has played for the Sydney Kings and for the Israel and Lebanon professional leagues. Julian lent his talent to assist with warm-ups and add experienced words to the player huddles during the game. Julian got right into the intensity of the game and offered some player instruction after the game for All Stars centre Jerome, who has only played basketball for less than a year. Some one on one instruction from Julian about the finer points of playing as a centre was a great opportunity to learn from a top tier player and hopefully will take his game to the next level.
All of the players showed exactly what it takes to play a great game of basketball and the Charity Bounce referee agreed that it was one of the best and fairest games he has seen. The teamwork, leadership, inclusiveness, encouragement, respect and camaraderie was a highlight from all the players from both teams. After such a brilliant evening on the court everyone, including the crowd of spectators was asking when the rematch will take place.
We would like to thank Vanessa, Manager of the Emerton Youth Centre and Emerton coach and youth worker Nate as well as the talented Emerton players for a game of good sportsmanship and great fun! Here’s to our re-match! Charity Bounce’s youth worker Josh Sue-See will continue to work with Emerton Youth Centre to support and provide opportunities for youth in the Mount Druitt region.
The Stand Tall All Stars Alumni program is designed to provide access to ‘out of reach’ opportunities in the basketball world through scheduled events and to support players beyond the on court competitions to achieve off the court outcomes related to education, employment, health & well being, or professional basketball pathways. The players include those who have played in any of the Charity Bounce’s All Stars teams.
On the court they were fierce competitors but off the court united together. Great group of players who won the respect of each other and everyone who watched on the night. Champions.
Julian Khazzouh watching the game from the Stand Tall All Stars bench in the double overtime thriller.
Charity Bounce is a not for profit organisation that exists to inspire positive change to overcome disadvantage for individuals and communities. With a focus on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and Culturally Diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees we aim to move people toward a more positive future through the development of sports, the arts, health, education and employment focused social programs. The programs are delivered in partnership with professional athletes to motivate change and inspire.
