Hoops 4 Health Challenge 2010

Alice Springs

Hoops 4 Health had their annual challenge this year held in Alice Springs on 19^th March, which was funded by Minister of Sport, Karl Hampton.  The team consisted of past and present NBL players such as Cairns Taipans point guard Kerry Williams and legends such as ex Adelaide 36ers and Olympian Brett Maher and ex NBA star Andre Moore.  The All star team was coached by ex Taipans player Timmy Duggan and Hoops 4 Health Patron and Super Middleweight Champion Anthony ‘Choc’ Mundine.

The Hoops 4 Health Challenge wasn’t just all fun and games.  Members of the team also visited remote communities during the week to deliver programs on the current issues of Indigenous Health.  Another focus was a visit to the Girls of the Centre Program, where local Territorian role model and duel Australian representative Bo De La Cruz and Under 18 Australian Basketball and Touch squad member Jaylene Bonson spoke to the girls about their achievements, goals and what it takes to reach them.

The basketball challenge kicked off Friday night with an exhibition match between The Girls of the Centre and Role Models.  This was followed by a Hoops 4 Health women’s match which featured some of the local talent alongside De La Cruz, Bonson and ABA Cairns Dolphins player Stacey Trindle-Price.

The main highlight was the tight match between the Hoops 4 Health All-stars and Alice Springs men’s.  Alice Springs had local stars Aaron Crowe and Caleb Pannell collaborating with former Alice Springs junior and NBL star Gary Boodnikoff and Cairns Taipans shooting guard Dwayne Vale. 

Alice Springs came within inches of upsetting the star studded Hoops for Health team going down 94-92 in overtime.  The game was very tight from the beginning going basket for basket.  Williams and Cairns Marlins leaper Deba George throwing everything they had at Alice Springs, with Alice Springs always finding ways to answer back.

Holding a comfortable lead at half time the Hoops 4 Health side started to lose momentum as the local team began to find their range.  Vale and Boodnikoff were outstanding in cutting the margin, while youngster Crowe showed glimpses of his talent, hitting crucial baskets down the stretch.  Alice Springs leveled scores with just seconds remaining, but could not get the winning shot to take the glory.

Forced into overtime for the first time in the history of the Hoops 4 Health Challenge, Boomers point guard Williams stepped up, making critical baskets in the closing stages.  However all his work appeared to be in vain as Boodnikoff found space in the corner and launched a breath defying 3 point attempt on the buzzer, only to overshoot the mark, handing the victory to the Hoops 4 Health Allstars.

Hoops 4 Health founder Timmy Duggan said the match, and the events leading up to Friday night, have made for another successful Hoops 4 Health road show.  He said: “with the community visit to Hermannsburg and the stuff we’ve done around Alice Springs, the game is a culmination of what we’re about.”  A crowd just shy of 500 fans were on hand for the game which also included entertainment from DJ Fat Albert, MC Trendy Trev and his son Mini me aka Michael Jackson and performances by the Drummertweme Group, Duggan hopes to return for a third time next year.

The Hoops 4 Health Challenge and programs have such a positive impact on the community.  And none of this would be possible without the funding and the immense support of many many volunteers.