Basketball NSW is proud to announce the coaching and support staff leading the Under 16 NSW Country and Metro teams at the 2025 Foot Locker National Championships. With an impressive lineup of experienced mentors, rising coaches, and returning medal-winners, the state is well-positioned for another strong showing on the national stage.
U16 Country Girls
Head Coach: Macs Monk
Assistant Coach: Cindy Bonham
Assistant Coach: Natalie Turner
Manager: Emily Brokmann
Macs Monk will take the helm of the NSW Country Girls as Head Coach for the first time at a National Championship. Monk previously served as an Assistant Coach for the Gold Medal-winning NSW Metro Under 16 Girls in 2022. In his current role as Basketball NSW Country High Performance Coach, he is responsible for overseeing the identification and development of elite athletes across regional New South Wales. Widely respected for his strategic approach and athlete-centered mindset, Monk is committed to cultivating a team built on toughness, selflessness, and competitive spirit.
Cindy Bonham joins the coaching staff as Assistant Coach, bringing with her a wealth of basketball knowledge and a strong track record of success attending numerous National Championships over the past few years. Based in Illawarra, Bonham led the U14 Illawarra Hawks Girls to a National Championship in 2023, a testament to her leadership and technical expertise. In the current 2025 JPL season, she serves as the Head Coach of the U16 Girls program at Illawarra, continuing her mission of developing young talent through a disciplined and team-focused approach.
Natalie Turner returns for her second cycle as Assistant Coach with the U16 Country Girls, offering continuity and energy to the program. A Newcastle Falcons junior who has transitioned seamlessly into coaching, Turner currently leads the U14 Premier Girls at Newcastle. She has progressed steadily through the Basketball NSW coaching pathway, gaining valuable experience across the John Davidson Jamboree, Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC), and State Performance Program (SPP). Her attention to detail and ability to connect with athletes make her a valued contributor to the team’s preparation and culture.
Emily Brockmann steps into the role of Team Manager for her second National Championship, following a successful campaign with the U18 NSW Metro Girls team at the recent Under 18 Nationals held during the April school holidays. Brockmann is known for her exceptional organisational skills and her deep understanding of what it takes to support a high-performing team environment.
U16 Country Boys
Head Coach: Tom Cranney
Assistant Coach: Daniel Howard
Assistant Coach: Todd Turner
Manager: Howard Marzan
Tom Cranney returns as Head Coach of the NSW Country Boys, following a commendable campaign in 2024. A proud product of the Country NSW pathway, Cranney was a standout athlete who earned a Gold Medal at the 2014 Under 16 National Championships, an experience that continues to shape his approach to coaching. Since transitioning to the sidelines, he has rapidly established himself as a coach with both pedigree and professionalism. Cranney currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the Illawarra Hawks NBL team, who were crowned 2025 NBL Champions, and also contributes as an Assistant Coach with the Illawarra NBL1 Men. His dual exposure to national and semi-professional levels ensures he brings elite insight, structure, and competitive expectations to the program.
Dan Howard joins the staff in what will be his second official appearance at Nationals. Howard represents the Maitland Mustangs, where he is heavily involved across multiple levels, including as Development Manager, serving as Head Coach of the U14 Boys Junior Premier League team, and as an AC with the Mustangs’ NBL1 Women’s team. His ability to transition seamlessly between junior and senior levels gives him a comprehensive view of athlete development. Howard has also diligently progressed through the Basketball NSW coaching pathway, gaining experience in the Country Development Tour (CDT), Talented Athlete Program (TAP), State Performance Program (SPP), and the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC).
Todd Turner completes the coaching trio as Assistant Coach, bringing with him unparalleled experience and deep roots within the Country NSW coaching community. With 15 National Championship campaigns under his belt, Turner’s legacy is defined by both longevity and impact. He was instrumental in leading the 2014 NSW Country U16 Boys to a Gold Medal, where he coached a young Tom Cranney, now his coaching peer. Turner currently oversees the Newcastle Falcons U16 and U18 Boys programs, where his focus on discipline, resilience, and fundamental excellence has consistently elevated athlete performance.
Howard Marzan returns for his second National Championships as Team Manager, bringing unmatched positivity, commitment, and a genuine passion for the game. Based in Port Macquarie, Marzan has become a familiar and trusted presence in the NSW Country community, regularly contributing to the Under 12 Country Skills Days, Country Development Program, and the John Davidson Country Jamboree. He also played a support role with the U16 Country Boys at the ACJBC. His approachable nature and strong organisational skills foster an environment in which athletes feel supported, encouraged, and ready to perform at their best.
U16 Metro Girls
Head Coach: Bilal Akalo
Assistant Coach: Michele Austin
Assistant Coach: Laurie Fleming
Manager: Rebecca Palmer
Billy Akalo returns to the NSW Metro Girls program in 2025 for his second consecutive year and his first as Head Coach at the National Championships for this age group. Akalo brings a wealth of high-performance experience, having coached at four Nationals, including back-to-back podium finishes as Assistant Coach with Victoria Metro, earning Bronze in 2022 and Silver in 2023. Currently in his second year with the Sydney Comets, he serves as Head Coach of their U18 Girls Junior Premier League team and Assistant Coach for the Comets’ NBL1 Men’s side. In addition to his club commitments, Akalo plays a significant role in school basketball as the 2IC of the Trinity Grammar Basketball Program, where he contributes to player growth across the school’s elite squads. Known for his structured systems, calm leadership, and basketball IQ, Akalo’s developmental approach instills confidence, discipline, and clarity in his athletes.
Michele Austin returns as Assistant Coach, bringing decades of experience and deep ties to the game at both elite and grassroots levels. A key part of the Gold Medal-winning NSW Metro U16 Girls team in 2023 and the 2024 U18 Girls squad, Austin continues to make an indelible mark on women’s basketball in NSW. In recognition of her long-standing contributions to the sport, she will be formally inducted into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame in November 2025. Austin was a WNBL Champion with the Sydney Flames in 1993 and co-captain of the Australian Junior Women’s Bronze Medal team in 1989, bringing unmatched playing experience to her coaching role. She currently leads the Bankstown Bruins U18 Girls in both JPL and Division 2, where she is widely respected for her athlete-first approach, motivational presence, and ability to translate her high-level knowledge into accessible and effective coaching strategies.
Laurie Fleming joins the Metro Girls program as Assistant Coach in what will be his first appearance at a National Championship. He currently leads the Norths Bears U16 Girls JPL team and the SCEGGS Redlands Girls 1sts, where he guided the latter to a Bronze Medal at the 2022 U20 Division 1 School Nationals. In 2023, Fleming made history with Norths by coaching the club’s first-ever Youth League Division 1 Women’s Championship team, demonstrating his ability to lead teams to success in highly competitive environments. A long-standing member of the Basketball NSW coaching network and a former Development Officer at Norths, Fleming is widely recognised for his sharp tactical planning and strong communication.
Rebecca Palmer resumes her role as Team Manager for the third time at Nationals, continuing to be a key figure in ensuring off-court operations run smoothly and professionally. She played a vital role as Team Manager for the 2022 Gold Medal-winning NSW Metro U16 Girls. With over a decade of experience within the Penrith Panthers coaching and management system, Palmer is a trusted and respected leader across multiple areas of the game. Her diverse background and unwavering commitment to athlete welfare make her an indispensable part of the program.
U16 Metro Boys
Head Coach: David Hayman
Assistant Coach: Liam Cavanagh-Downs
Assistant Coach: Blake Macfarlane
Manager: Emma Claus
David Hayman continues in his role as Head Coach of the NSW Metro Boys, aiming to build on two consecutive podium finishes with the team, Bronze in 2023 and Silver in 2024. A respected figure within both the Basketball NSW High Performance system and the broader club landscape, Hayman has established himself as a proven leader under pressure. He previously guided the Hills Hornets to a National Club Championship Gold Medal in 2019 at the U14 level and currently serves as Head Coach of their U18 Boys Junior Premier League team. With three straight National Championship campaigns under his belt, Hayman brings a comprehensive understanding of tournament demands, athlete development, and team culture, making him a cornerstone of the program’s continued success.
Liam Cavanagh-Downs re-joins the staff for his second campaign as Assistant Coach, bringing with him a growing resume of accomplishments across club, state, and professional basketball environments. Representing the Norths Bears, he coached their U14 Boys to a Silver Medal at the 2024 Club Championships and currently leads their U16 Boys squad. Cavanagh-Downs has also been appointed Assistant Coach of the Sydney Flames for the 2025 WNBL season, building on his prior experience as a video coordinator with both the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames. His sharp analytical skills, attention to detail elevate the team’s preparation and tactical execution.
Blake Macfarlane returns as Assistant Coach for the fourth consecutive year, providing invaluable consistency and deep familiarity with the athletes and program. A long-standing member of the Penrith Panthers coaching staff, Macfarlane currently leads their U18 Boys JPL team, where he is known for his hands-on approach and ability to connect with players. His technical insight, calm demeanour, and clear communication style have been instrumental in helping the Metro Boys secure consecutive National Championship medals. Macfarlane’s dedication to developing well-rounded athletes and strong team dynamics continues to make him a vital part of the coaching unit.
Emma Claus completes the team as Team Manager, offering a unique combination of basketball expertise and educational leadership. A former representative player and coach with the Hills Hornets, Claus has transitioned into a key operational role within the basketball ecosystem, currently working in FIBA statistical operations. This will be Claus’ first time on the coaching bench at a Nationals. Her ability to manage logistics with precision, paired with her composed and supportive nature, ensures the team remains well-organised and focused throughout the tournament.
Be sure to follow Basketball NSW on social media as we bring you highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the key updates from our four NSW teams competing at the 2025 Foot Locker Under 16 National Championships.
The 2025 Under 16 National Championships will be hosted by Basketball Australia in Bendigo, Victoria. Commencing Sunday 6th July and concluding on Sunday 13th July.
All games will be held at: Red Energy Arena, Bendigo – 91 Inglis St, West Bendigo VIC 3550
You can catch all the action live from home thanks to KommunityTV (subscription required), with every game streamed throughout the tournament. Click HERE for more information.
Basketball Australia’s event information click HERE.