TAMBORINE Mountain’s Talia Biskaps will soon take her talents to the national stage after helping the North Gold Coast Seahawks under 14 Girls team secure a bronze medal at the Queensland State Championships in Cairns.
The Seahawks claimed third place with a hard-fought 58-51 victory over the Ipswich Force, booking themselves a place at the Basketball Australia under 14 Club Championships, to be held in Willetton, Western Australia from September 28 to October 3.
It marks a historic moment for the club, with the team becoming the first Seahawks girls squad, and only the second under 14 Seahawks team overall, to qualify for Nationals.
Talia, a point guard who also plays locally for the Tamborine Mountain Wolves, said the experience in Cairns was a major highlight in her young career.
“It was really hot up there, but it was so much fun,” she said.
“The girls we played were tough, but our team really stepped up.”
Tamborine Mountain Wolves president Ben Norling praised Talia’s rise through the representative ranks.
“Talia is the first active Wolves player to make it through to representative, state, and now national level basketball,” he said.
“She’s a leader on the court, carries a heavy workload, and is loved by her teammates.”
Her mother, Nicole Biskaps, said the rapid progress has been impressive.
“She only started playing basketball last year,” Nicole said.
“She’s always been athletic and competitive, and this year she’s really developed her ability to trust her teammates and manage the emotional side of the game. It’s been great to watch.”
With Nationals now in sight, training has intensified.
Talia will continue playing and training locally for the Wolves while attending extra training sessions with the Seahawks at Coomera Sports Centre.
“It’s a busy schedule, but she’s excited to keep improving,” Nicole said.
“The girls have formed great friendships, too, and they’re learning so much on and off the court.”
The Wolves have pledged financial support to help Talia get to Perth and are encouraging local businesses and sponsors to get behind the effort.
“She may be playing for the Seahawks, but she’s representing the Wolfpack,” Ben said.
“We’d love to hear from anyone willing to help with fundraising to make the journey possible.”
Talia isn’t the only Wolves player making waves at the representative level.
Earlier this month, several Wolves basketballers travelled to Townsville for the Basketball Queensland State Championships.
Toby Lory and Alek Cuso competed in the under 14 Division 4 team, with former Wolves player Beau Fern also part of the squad.
They narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth overall after a tight bronze match loss.
Harry Sanderson’s under 14 Division 2 team placed 10th, while Talia’s under 14 Girls Division 1 team claimed bronze and advanced to Nationals.
“The ongoing success of the Tamborine Mountain Basketball Club and its players is a testament to the time, dedication and passion of our players, parents, and volunteers,” Ben said.
