Abbi Gibson, Brodie Dixon and Amy Dominiak in the mix to make WA Country under-18 team at national champs

Great Southern basketball young guns Abbi Gibson, Brodie Dixon and Amy Dominiak will mix it with some of the best underage talent in WA after catching the eye of some of the State’s top coaches. Albany duo Gibson and Dixon along with Denmark’s Dominiak have all been selected in the Basketball WA under-18 women’s State Performance Program. The trio are in a 15-person WA Country squad and are in line to earn one of 10 spots up for grabs in the WA Country side that will compete at the 2022 Australian Under-18 Junior Championships in April next year. Gibson and Dixon are no strangers to playing basketball at a high level having both been a part of the SPP previously while it’s the first time Dominiak has featured in the program. Barking Owls and Raiders under-18 star Gibson represented the WA Country under-18 women’s side at the 2021 Australian Junior Championships in Victoria. Gibson said it’s reward for all the hard work she has been doing. “I’m really excited it’s what I work for day in and day out,” the 16-year-old said. “I’m looking forward to testing my skills against some of the under-18 basketball players in WA. “It helps by having coaches and people who wouldn’t normally watch my matches, especially because I’m from the country, see me and become interested in my game.” Dixon, who plays A-grade locally for Bethel Breakers and Raiders, missed out on the 2021 squad due to injury but is looking to impress this time. “I’m pretty keen to do it since I missed out last year due to injury and I’m keen to be back at this level,” the 16-year-old said. “I’m keen as it will help me develop as a player coming up against players of a high level. “Hopefully it will help me further my career in basketball being exposed to this training and program. “I’m just looking forward to putting my best foot forward and impressing.” Dominiak, who plays for Denmark Senior High School in both the Denmark and Albany competitions, is keen to further her career. “I’ve always been interested in learning additional skills to improve my game, so to be selected into this program and the training sessions so far have been great and I’m looking forward to pushing myself further,” the 15-year-old said. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play with/against players of a high level like WABL players and adapt to different playing styles so that I can continually set myself challenges. “I’m looking forward to gaining more knowledge, skills and confidence from a higher program that will help me become a better player “This program will offer me insight into what it is like for a high-level basketball player, if I can hone those skills into my game I believe I will improve greatly.” The squad will be cut down to a final team of 10 players that will play at the national championships from April 10-17 at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre in Victoria.