TUMUT is in basketball heaven after the Tumut Public School boys team and Franklin Public School girls team were both crowned state champions after winning the State PSSA Basketball Championships at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre last Friday.
It was Tumut Public’s first state title since 1982 and caps off an unforgettable season of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.
The journey to the state title began in June when the team embarked on a challenging knockout season, which they completed undefeated to become Riverina Champions. Going through every game and challenge together, the team united around one motto in their huddle: “All Heart.” And that’s exactly what these boys showed throughout the season—unmatched heart, determination, and unity.
The state competition brought together the top eight teams from Public Schools across New South Wales. Tumut’s first match of the day was against Orange Public, and the team came out strong, securing a decisive 45-22 win that propelled them into the top draw. In the semi-finals, Tumut faced a challenging opponent in Alexandria Park from Sydney. It was a hard-fought game, but Tumut clinched victory with a score of 54-48, earning them a place in the grand final against New Lambton South from Newcastle.
The grand final was a nail-biter from start to finish. New Lambton South led for most of the game, but Tumut’s boys demonstrated incredible resilience, closing the gap by the end of the fourth quarter to tie the score at 47-47. With just three minutes of overtime Tumut’s teamwork, heart, and determination led them to a hard-earned 54-49 victory and the title of state champions.
Back home in Tumut, the entire school watched the excitement unfold via livestream. Cheers and claps from students and teachers filled the school grounds, and the sounds of celebration could be heard beyond the gates as everyone cheered on the team from afar. As news of the win spread, a proud and joyous buzz swept through the community, with Tumut rallying behind the team’s incredible accomplishment.
The team, comprised of seven talented players – Iluka Penrith, Jack Carroll, Walter Murray, Jake Dodd, Charlie Dodd, Ryan Dowler, and Archie O’Sullivan – demonstrated outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. One of the players unfortunately fell ill on the morning of the state competition, so younger player Umbarra Penrith stepped in as a reserve. Though younger than the others, Umbarra contributed by assisting with substitutions and providing strong support from the bench.
This unforgettable season would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of Coach Luke Penrith. His guidance and encouragement helped instil in the team the resilience and teamwork that brought them to this incredible victory. The boys’ progress throughout the season is a true testament to his dedication and the countless hours he devoted to training sessions.
“A huge thank you is also owed to the parents, whose unwavering support and encouragement throughout the season made a real difference,” team manager and Tumut Public School teacher Katherine Penrith said.
“Their commitment both on and off the court was invaluable, and the entire team is deeply grateful.
“We’re also thrilled to celebrate alongside Franklin Public School, whose girls’ team won the state title in their division. Having two state champions from one town highlights the strength and passion for sports within our community.
“This season has been truly unforgettable for all of us. Well done to our boys on an incredible journey—State Champions! Tumut is immensely proud of you. All heart, all champions.”
Franklin Public School Girls Basketball team were crowned the NSWPSSA Champions in Penrith last Friday. It is an achievement the school has accomplished twice in the past three years (last year claiming runners up). The girls basketball team travelled to Penrith on the Thursday, enjoying the sights and entertainment of Panthers Leagues Club. But come Friday morning, it was down to business to face the remaining top eight schools in the state.
Franklin’s opening match was the quarter final against Western Region Champions, Wyalong Public School. Franklin set the pace early with a commanding lead with the first quarter ending, 12-2. From there, Franklin was never in doubt of the victory, winning each quarter and ultimately the match, 44-19.
Next up was the South Coast Region Champions, Minnamurra Public School, for a chance to play in the State Final. It was Franklin who were under the pump from the start with easy shots frustratingly missing. But the girls defence shone through to survive the first quarter, only being down 4-5. The quarter time chat from Coach Mr Mastellotto and Assistant Coach Danielle Weir was ‘focus on staying in the arm wrestle and put the pressure back othe opposition’. From there on Franklin surged in the second quarter, winning it 16-3, giving the halftime score 20-8. Franklin controlled possession and comfortably won the match, 41-20.
And with that, it was a grand final rematch against the Sydney North Region Champions, Thornleigh West. This was three years in a row where Franklin and Thornleigh West played off for the title of the best in the state. After two exhaustive games, Mr Mastellotto said to the girls: ‘your body will tell you that you’re tired, but your mind and attitude has to say otherwise’. Other than the first quarter (8-7 Franklin’s way), the rest of the game was all Franklin. So much so that the girls didn’t let their opposition score a point in the final quarter, winning 44-15. It was no doubt that Franklin’s determined defence led to victory on the day.
This victory makes Franklin the best basketball team out of the 262 primary schools across New South Wales that played in the PSSA knockout.
Mr Mastellotto found it hard to find the right words to capture the sense of pride of the girls. “It’s difficult to express how proud everyone is of these girls. They have such a mature approach to game preparation. You’d think they were paid professional athletes”.
Mr Mastellotto also mentioned the parents’ support throughout the 2024 campaign.
“Without the support of the parents; travelling around the Riverina, dropping the girls off to training sessions, or sitting on the scoring bench, these girls wouldn’t be where they are. So I thank them so much for what they’ve done”.
Mr Mastellotto added his thanks to his offsider, Danielle Weir.
“She’s the brains of it all. She’s the one that knows the game. My contribution is all about having the right mindset for the game. Danielle is my walking/talking rulebook”.
In closing, Mr Mastellotto said, “overall, it’s another notch in the Franklin basketball legacy that was created by the likes of Mrs Chris Armstrong all those years ago.”
