Teens shoot for the stars
The enthusiasm these three teens show as they spin, roll and balance for the camera shows why dozens of their peers are on waiting lists to shoot hoops alongside them.
Former Perth Wildcats captain Brad Robbins says there could well be the next professional star among them.
Terence, Troy and Joshua Kelly are some of the 72 youngsters who let off steam every week in Night Hoops programs in Midland and Fremantle - a not-for-profit youth basketball competition.
The popular program, which started last year, now has long waiting lists of budding basketballers vying for the chance to play competitively and perhaps be scouted for a sporting career. For some of those lucky enough to have got a spot last year, their dreams of playing professionally might well be realised after they play internationally in a six-day tour from June 4.
The Kelly boys are among 10 Night Hoops players who, as they are the program's most promising young talent, will pack their high-top shoes for Singapore to play against some of the country's top young teams.
Mr Robbins, who runs the Fremantle tournament, said the trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some of the teenagers, many of whom would struggle to muster the funds for even the smallest overseas trip.
"Some of these kids have super talent," he said. "There are kids here that are some of the quickest kids you'd ever see."
The trip has been aided by a $30,000 grant from airline Jetstar.
