Berwick Secondary College Girls Qualify for 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational

Berwick Secondary College qualified for the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore after winning the Australia Qualifier in May, placing its girls' basketball program on an international stage.

Local pathways fuel global opportunity

This achievement highlights the steady support available through school programs in Berwick that allow talented players to progress from local courts to overseas competition. The success comes as youth basketball continues to grow in participation across Victoria, giving teams like Berwick's a clear route to test themselves against international peers. School based programs provide regular training sessions and competitive matches that build the necessary skills for higher levels of play.

The squad traveling to Singapore features players Makayla Craven, Tiana Bajic and Aorangi Harding, with former NBL player Brent Hobba serving as coach. Their qualification followed a strong domestic campaign that demonstrated the depth of preparation available at the school level. Coaching from someone with professional experience adds practical guidance on game situations and player development during daily practices.

Teams that advance through qualifiers like the one held in May gain exposure that extends beyond regional competitions. Players receive opportunities to measure their abilities against peers from other countries in a structured tournament setting. The event in Singapore next year will feature multiple games that require consistent performance across several days of competition.

School-based development supports rising talent

Berwick Secondary College's journey shows how consistent access to training venues and coaching within the local education system can open doors to events such as the NBA Rising Stars Invitational. The program builds skills that travel beyond regional boundaries, preparing athletes for higher-level exposure without requiring families to seek options outside the area. Facilities at the school support year round conditioning and skill work that contribute to team success in domestic events leading up to international selection.

Details of the qualification and roster appear in reporting from ESPN Australia. Families interested in similar pathways can contact the school directly for information on upcoming trials and development sessions. The structure of school sports programs allows students to balance academic requirements with athletic training on a daily basis.

Participation in events at this scale requires coordination between school staff, parents and players to manage travel and preparation. The qualification process itself involved multiple matches during the May qualifier, where the team secured the necessary results to advance. Such experiences provide concrete examples of how local resources translate into competitive opportunities on a larger platform.