Lithgow girls named state basketball champions in Terrigal

The school’s under 15s girls team, who were the champions of the western region competition, represented the state’s west in the NSWCHSSA’s knock-out state championship. 

The top eight teams in the state played in Terrigal on Wednesday and Thursday to determine the champion. The Combined High School state championship competition has taken the girls to Bathurst, West Wyalong, Coffs Harbour and Terrigal since its opening match in July. 

The team had to play four matches to secure its spot in the final rounds. They lost their first match against last year’s champion Asquith Girls but managed to gain a comfortable win over the home-team Terrigal High School. 

That led to a qualifying match against the team’s long-running rivals. 

“This was the catalyst that set the scene for a ‘must win’ clash against long-time nemesis Westfield Sports High, who had defeated the Lithgow girls in each of their encounters over the past 3 years,” Lithgow High School’s Samantha Luchetti said. 

Ms Luchetti described it as an “extremely physical, at times brutal game” but Lithgow managed to come back from a six point deficit to win by two points, 41-39. 

“The next day saw the Lithgow girls clash with second place from the other side of the draw, Western Region rivals, West Wyalong. It was a physical contest with both teams and coaches knowing each other’s games very well.”

“After a big second half led by Meleke Jenkins and Geordie Goodwin, Lithgow won the match comfortably 52-36 despite their early jitters.”

In the grand final Lithgow were pitched against Sydney’s Endeavour Sports High School. They secured a comfortable win by 31 points. 

Sam Luchetti said that as the team was young for the competition, comprised of Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 players, they will likely be able to play together in the championships next year. 

“The girls in the team were a credit to themselves, their school and their families. They were outmatched in terms of size and reputation but were always giants in terms of their skill, determination and team work. They are well deserved winners and most worthy state champions,” she said. 

The team is made up of Geordie Goodwin, Meleke Jenkins, Alayah Lincoln, Bethany Newsome, Kallan Phillips, Kyra Phillips, Hayley Ranse, Bayleigh Shead and Sophie Swift, coached by Mr Tim Lloyd and managed by Mrs Deb Farebrother.