Academy players star on the national stage

Five of the Adelaide 36ers Basketball Academy and one graduate have staked their claim on the national stage in Perth recently.

36ers Academy members Noah Sampson, Ethan MacDermot, Emre Fisk, Brandon Gillespie and Rio Bruton were part of the South Australian side who won the bronze medal at the School Sport Australia Under 16 national championships.

The South Australians claimed the bronze medal with a 93-64 success against Victoria on the final day of competition at Willetton Basketball Stadium.

Bruton and Adelaide 36ers Academy graduate James Mackenzie, were also selected in the All-Australian side at the conclusion of the week-long event.

Adelaide 36ers Academy coach Michael Lake said the results from the players were very promising and was a testament to their learnings.

“It’s great to see the guys perform on the big stage and show all their hard work is paying off,” Lake said.

“For James and Rio to get in the Australian team, is a great effort and all the other guys played their role, to have over have the SA side as Academy players is a great result.”

Mackenzie was named MVP of the tournament, averaging 15.9 points per game, including a game-high 22 points against Victoria in the Bronze Medal playoff match.

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Bruton averaged 13.85 points and Gillespie 12.71 point per game during the tournament, Fisk and Sampson had breakout games against ACT, combining for 33 points, while MacDermot had 12 points in the semi-final loss to Queensland.

Lake said the Academy has been working hard and is looking forward to see where the group grows moving forward.

“We have a great group of guys who are really concentrating on bettering their craft and the results are now on show,” Lake said.