The Dubbo Rams under 12s girls has punched above its weight all season and this weekend it be out to do the same at the NSW Basketball State Cup.
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Despite only featuring three top-age players, the Rams under 12s side swept all before it in the Western Junior League (WJL) first division before going on to make the semi-finals of the Country Championships.
The side hasn't played since that tournament in June, but that hasn't dented the excitement leading into this weekend's state titles at Minto.
"Now they're super excited," coach Claire Hargreaves said.
"This is the next level up from the Country Championships, so it's going to be really good to get this chance.
"This is the only opportunity to play metro teams."
While it's a thrill for any side to advance to the State Cup, the Dubbo side isn't just there to make up the numbers.
The form the young Rams showed during their unbeaten run in the WJL was hugely impressive, capped off with an outstanding 49-24 grand final win over Bathurst.
Wins against Gosford, Canberra, and Newcastle followed at the Country Championships.
"In all honesty, this has probably been a two or three year project," Hargreaves said.
"I've had Millie Sutcliffe for three years now and most of the others for two and when we started we didn't win a game.
"But I knew what they were capable of and they've worked really hard."
Knowing the attitude and talent within her side, Hargreaves has no doubt her side can claim state glory.
"I think we can win it," she said.
"If they play like I know they can then they're a very good chance of winning."
Sutcliffe will be key this weekend, just as she has been all season.
The young gun was named most valuable player in the WJL final win over Bathurst while she and Kiara McKeown also represented Western Region in a NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) tournament this year.
On top of that, Sutcliffe, McKeown and Tayla Mongan have all been selected to attend the upcoming under 12s Jamboree in Tamworth alongside the other best youngsters in country NSW.
That all shows there's a huge amount of individual talent within the Rams under 12s side but the ability to work together, particularly in defence, will be key this weekend.
"It's a really good defensive team," Hargreaves said.
"If we continue to pressure there they'll get confidence and the transition up the court comes from that and is quick so defence is the focus."
Given she's just welcomed a second child into the world, Hargreaves won't make the trip to Minto this weekend. Gabby Herbert, who has been the assistant coach for the past three years, will take the reins.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
