The BHSSC Basketball Academy began in 1995 and it has become one of the most successful basketball programs in the country attracting students from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as well as from interstate and overseas. Whilst aiming to improve the performance of every student athlete, the program has been very successful in providing pathways for students wishing to participate in basketball at an elite level.
Over the years, both the boys and girls basketball teams have won numerous Victorian and National titles with College teams regularly featuring in the finals series of these tournaments. The BHSSC Senior Boys and Intermediate Girls teams both were gold medalists at the 2017 Australian Schools Championships.
In addition, many BHSSC basketball athletes have accomplished significant individual achievements including:-
- AIS scholarships
- State and Australian team selection
- NBL and WNBL contracts
- USA College Scholarships
Our coaching staff have a broad range of experience and have developed strong connections with local associations, State and National based peak bodies (such as Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia), U.S. College programs and other semi-professional or professional leagues both locally and internationally.
BHSSC Program details
The BHSSC Basketball Academy is a compulsory fee-based extra-curricular program, that is offered to interested students wishing to improve their knowledge, skill and understanding of basketball. Students are provided with the opportunity to work with highly experienced and successful coaches in developing their individual and team based skills in basketball, while also undertaking strength and conditioning sessions to improve their overall athletic performance. Involvement in this extra-curricular program is also dependent on academic progress/performance and appropriate behaviour at all times, as a student-athlete at BHSSC.
On Court Training
- Skill acquisition including ball handling, shooting technique and consistency, finishing at the basket and one-on-one moves
- Positional specific skills and fitness trainingTactical and strategic training aimed at developing a players understanding of team offensive and defensive concepts.
- Dedicated match play session
Strength & Conditioning
Each student will be provided with an individualised strength and conditioning program which focuses on developing a player’s fitness, strength, power, speed and agility, specifically for the sport of basketball.
Tournaments
Depending on which team students are selected in, students will have the opportunity to participate in the following tournaments: Victorian College Championships (VCC), School Sport Victoria (SSV) Premier League and McDonald’s Champion School of Victoria.
If a team wins the McDonald’s Champion School of Victoria, they will be eligible to represent the College at the Australian Schools Championships.
- Basketball Boys Head Coach – Al Westover
- Basketball Girls Head Coach – Katrina Hibbert
- Coach – Rachel Bell
- Coach – Denzel Facun
The College will also endeavour to provide further international playing and cultural experiences such as tours to the U.S.A., Europe or Asia dependent on student interest and availability. Where possible, BHSSC always encourages visiting coaches and scouts to attend the College to view practice sessions and games. Please note: Students wishing to explore potential U.S. College pathways will also receive additional counselling regarding their academic subject choices and expectations, in line with general NCAA guidelines and advice.