Media Release: Basketball Australia
Today, Basketball Australia announced the squad for the U16 Sapphires who will attend training camp at the COE in Canberra from 16 – 19 June in preparation for the FIBA Asia U16 Cup in Malaysia.
Basketball NSW is proud to congratulate the following athletes on their selection to the Sapphires squad:
Addison Bonham (Illawarra Hawks), Sasha Clague (Norths Bears), Emma Lukell (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) & Angela Tako (Penrith Panthers).
The FIBA U16 Asia Cup in September 10-22 presents an exciting opportunity for the Sapphires to extend their winning ways, following their dominant campaign at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup.
In the final, they delivered a statement performance, overwhelming New Zealand 93–44 to claim their third consecutive title. The tournament showcased their impressive depth, cohesive teamwork, and relentless defense as the Sapphires reaffirmed their dominance in the region and set a benchmark for future competitions.
The FIBA U15 Oceania Cup marked the beginning of a new FIBA cycle, with the top two teams earning qualification for the U16 Asia Cup, a key pathway to the U17 World Cup.
The selected squad features several returning champions from the 2024 FIBA Oceania Cup.
See selected squad below:
Eliza Ashby (VIC)
Addison Bonham (NSW)
Eden Catip (QLD)
Sasha Clague (NSW)
Annalisse Elliott (SA)
Marianna Fakalata (VIC)
Daisy Hocking (SA)
Jovanna Ilic (QLD)
Violet Johnson (QLD)
Emma Lukell (NSW)
Lily Mapp (QLD)
Mya Moke (QLD)
Olivia Olechnowicz (QLD)
Sophie Richardson (VIC)
Madison Ryan (VIC)
Laura Seiz (VIC)
Eliza Shanahan (VIC)
Isabel Smith (QLD)
Angela Tako (NSW)
Vanessa Tavete (VIC)
Matilda Trout (VIC)