Mid West Athletes Shine in U18 State Basketball Program

This year has been a strong one for Mid West Academy of Sport athletes in the U18 WA State Basketball program, with six MWAS athletes earning selection in the final training squad.

Representing the women’s program were Sophie Kirkpatrick, Sahba Horstman and Olivia Paul, while Elijah Bellottie, Max De San Miguel and Riley Fong were selected in the men’s squad.

Making the final training squad is a huge achievement in itself. For regional athletes, the journey to state representation comes with a big commitment from both athletes and their families. In Western Australia, pursuing state selection often means travelling the 1000km round trip to Perth at least 10 times, while also balancing school, training, recovery and everything else that comes with being a teenager.

It takes sacrifice, dedication and a lot of support. That’s why we celebrate all athletes who make the training squads, not just those who travel to Nationals. Every athlete in that squad has put in the same work and commitment along the way.

U18 WA State Team

Sophie Kirkpatrick
Sophie has been a “big” for most of her playing career, but after missing out on the team last year she was asked to make the transition to guard and help carry the ball up the court. It was a big challenge, but one she tackled with typical Kirky tenacity. All that hard work has paid off.

Max De San Miguel
Max made the team last year as a bottom age athlete. It would have been easy to assume he would walk back into the squad this year, but that’s not Max’s style. Instead, he doubled down on his effort and has emerged as one of the leaders of this U18 group.

Riley Fong
One of the best athletes going around. Riley was cut as a bottom age athlete last year, but he came back this year hungrier than ever and worked incredibly hard to earn his spot. Expect him to drive opposition players crazy with his relentless on ball defence. A word of advice to whoever Riley is guarding… pass the ball.

U18 WA State Team Reserves

Sahba Horstman
After working extremely hard in preparation for trials, Sahba can be proud of the effort she put into her campaign. While unlucky to miss out on the travelling squad, she gave it everything.

Olivia Paul
A huge improver this year. As a bottom age athlete, Olivia has shown fantastic development and determination. Don’t be surprised to see her back again.

Elijah Bellottie
One of the most improved players going around with plenty of upside still to come.

Finally, congratulations to Kelvin Yokwe for making the team.

It’s fantastic to see so many Mid West athletes pushing themselves at the state level, and we are proud of the commitment and resilience each of them has shown throughout the process.