Young Pilbara basketballers proudly signify WA at 2026 Southern Cross Challenge | USAEMALL.com

Seven young athletes from the Pilbara proudly represented WA at the 2026 Southern Cross Challenge held in Victoria from January 16 to 19, marking a significant milestone for basketball in the region

Selected across multiple age divisions, the seven Pilbara representatives — under-14 girls Daisy McDonald, Indee Davies and Zahli Ryan, under-15 girl Isabel Chambers and under-15 boys Coby Hemmett, Deziah Steele and Oscar Langfield — competed against some of the best junior athletes in the country.

For many of the young athletes, the experience reinforced pride in where they come from and the hard work it took to play on the national stage.

Hedland Basketball Association representative Deziah Steele said representing both the Pilbara and WA was something he would carry with him for life.

“Coming from a small regional town, the experience filled me with immense pride,” he said.

Steele described the level of competition at the Southern Cross Challenge as very high with skilled athletes across all teams making the experience both challenging and valuable.

He also reflected on how growing up in a remote region shaped his self-motivation and discipline, noting that without regular exposure to elite coaching, regional athletes often had to push themselves harder individually to keep pace.

Karratha Basketball athlete Indee Davies said representing both the Pilbara and WA meant a great deal to her, not just as an athlete but as a young person from a regional area.

“The competition at the Southern Cross Challenge was intense. Every team brought different styles and challenges, but WA rose to the occasion, winning six of seven games and finishing on top of the standings,” she said.

Davies also reflected on how growing up playing basketball in the Pilbara shaped her into a dedicated and enthusiastic player.

With fewer opportunities compared to metropolitan area, she said regional athletes learnt early to make the most of every chance and to work hard for every opportunity.

Basketball WA Regional Development Officer Nikki Hemmett said the entire campaign was a proud moment for the region and highlighted the strength of country pathways.

“Throughout the process, we received strong feedback from coaches regarding the Pilbara athletes’ attitude, commitment and development,” she said.

Hemmett also acknowledged that several athletes narrowly missed selection due to injury, noting that trials often coincided with the local football season, where many youngsters are reluctant to step away while chasing premiership success with their teams.

“The region is incredibly proud of every athlete involved,” she said.

“Each has worked hard to earn their place and the growing Pilbara presence on the State is a clear sign the pathway is moving in the right direction.”