Basketball NSW is excited to announce the referees selected to officiate at the 2026 East Coast Challenge (ECC), set to take place at Penrith from 7th-9th of January.
ECC continues to be one of Basketball NSW’s key development events, not only for athletes, but also for coaches and referees. Across three high-intensity days, officials are challenged to perform in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, mirroring the standards expected at state and national level competitions.
For referees, the ECC is more than a tournament, it is an important opportunity to develop decision-making, positioning, game management, and consistency under pressure. With strong teams, experienced coaching staff, and emerging athletes on court, the event provides an ideal setting for officials to strengthen their skills and prepare for future appointments, including National Championships and other pathways such as Waratah Junior & Senior Leagues.
Basketball NSW, Head of Technical Officials, Steve Clark said the ECC is an important starting point for the year ahead.
“I’d like to congratulate and thank all referees selected to officiate at this year’s East Coast Challenge. Their appointment is a reflection of their ongoing commitment to development and performance,” said Clark.
“The ECC provides a strong platform for referees to start the season in a competitive and high-standard setting. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain experience, challenge themselves, and continue building the foundation required for future representative and national-level opportunities.”
Basketball NSW congratulates the selected officials and looks forward to their contributions across the tournament.
Congratulations to the following officials:
Alexander Palmer – Hills Basketball Association
Andrew Dodds – Illawarra Basketball Association
Bailey Baxter – Penrith Basketball Association
Belinda Dalton – Central Coast Crusaders Basketball Association
Brendan Lim – Hills Basketball Association
Caitlyn Bloomfield – Illawarra Basketball Association
Claudia Simpson – Coffs Harbour Basketball Association
Cooper Skelly – Bankstown Basketball Association
Damon Koles – Bathurst Basketball Association
Daniel Robinson – Hills Basketball Association
Emmy Prykiel – Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
Holly Powell – Hills Basketball Association
Jake Jennings – Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
Jeremy Karam – Blacktown Basketball Association
Josh Garnon – Hills Basketball Association
Joshua Elsom – Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Basketball Association
Joshua Kingston – St George Basketball Association
Kale Armstrong – Sutherland Basketball Association
Lachlan Fevre – Hills Basketball Association
Lachlan Nicholas – Bankstown Basketball Association
Lachy Francis – Manly Basketball Association
Lilly Hogan – Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
Louis Brockwell – Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
Lucas Nicol – Manly Basketball Association
Madeleine Prowse – Port Macquarie Basketball Association
Maya Horgan – Cessnock Basketball Association
Riley Gilchrist – Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Basketball Association
Sarah White – Macarthur Basketball Association
Taye Washington – Sydney Comets Basketball Association
Timothy Bloomfield – Illawarra Basketball Association
Zac Smith – Port Macquarie Basketball Association