21 July 2025
Kym West
Victoria, Australia Victoria's basketball pathways continue to deliver on the world stage, with an impressive showing from our athletes, coaches, and officials at the recent FIBA events.
In the FIBA Under-19 Women’s World Cup, the Australian Gems put up a strong fight against a powerhouse USA team in the gold medal match. While the final result didn’t fall our way, several Victorians stood tall. Bonnie Deas capped off a standout tournament by being named in the All-Star 5, a testament to her consistency and impact throughout the campaign.
Photo credit: FIBA
Sienna Harvey made a big impression off the bench, contributing 11 points in the final, while Sitaya Fagan and Manuella Puoch delivered energy and presence at both ends of the floor. Madi Ryan and Emilija Dakic also played key roles throughout the tournament, helping push the team into the championship game and showcasing the strength of Victoria’s development programs.
Meanwhile, at the senior level, the Opals claimed victory in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, overcoming Japan in a thrilling repeat of the 2017 final. This time, it was Australia who emerged victorious with a final score of 88 - 79, holding off a late Japanese comeback.
The Opals’ roster featured a strong Victorian contingent, with Abbey Ellis, Steph Reid, Sara Blicavs, and Chloe Bibby all playing crucial roles, with Reid’s clutch three-pointer late in the game, helping Australia to win the Cup for the first time. Reid being rewarded by her standout performance across the tournament with being named in the All- Star 5.
Photo credit: FIBA
Victorian influence extended beyond the players, with referee Ruben Woolcock selected to officiate at the Under-19 Women’s World Cup, including being appointed to officiate the bronze medal game (he was ineligible to be selected for the gold medal match due to Australia competing in the game) - a significant honour at international level.
Photo credit: FIBA
The coaching ranks also featured several familiar Victorian faces, including Opals assistant coaches Cheryl Chambers, Kristi Lee Willoughby (nee Harrower) and Tess Madgen, along with Jo Wood and Jack Fleming as influential coaches for the Gems, further highlighting the depth of talent across all areas of the sport in our state.
Basketball Victoria CEO, Nick Honey, praised the outstanding contributions of Victorians on the international stage:
"Seeing so many Victorians excel at the highest level, as athletes, coaches, and officials - is a true reflection of the strength and depth of our pathways programs. It reinforces that our commitment to developing talent across all facets of the sport is delivering results, not just locally, but globally."
From the court to the sidelines, and beyond, Victoria continues to make its mark on the world basketball stage.
For more information about our pathways programs click below.