Update #3 from the Flinders Basketball Tour to the United States by Mrs Emmie Cossell
By MyFlinders Community — today at 12:30pm 1 Campus & 4 Roles
Day 8 – Waco, Texas
Day 1 of the tournament brought too many highlights to count. Both teams turned up with a competitive spirit and a determined attitude. The girls took to the court first and got off to a strong lead nice and early. They held the lead for the whole game, with players and coaches alike commenting on the Aussies’ different style of play. We were hard to defend and a worthy adversary for the Varsity girls teams who entered the competition. The girls took the first game of the tournament out (49) vs the Snook Lady Jays (33).
The boys came up against Austin Achieve Bears in a team made up of both Varsity and Junior Varsity players. With loud cheers from our very own, the boys put on a spectacle with some smooth moves from Sam, Tom and Brayden alike. Samson and Seb led the cheer squad and made sure our opponents knew we came to rumble. They were both hoarse by the end of the third quarter. The boys took out their first game 60-49.
After a quick refuel, the girls once again took the court. Manor New Tech were enamoured by the accents and both teams made new friends before the starting jump ball. It was an easy win for our girls, who played with strength in defence and took out the win 60-41.
The boys waited a long day to finally take the court at 11:00pm on the first day of games. With games going into overtime, both teams walked into the jump ball looking weary. The boys rose to the occasion playing some of their best basketball of the tour. The boys went into the final quarter 37-24, then outscored the competition in the last quarter to finish the game 42-34. While it wasn’t a ‘W’ on the scorecard, the boys played out of their skins to put up a fight of a lifetime. Exhausted, the boys walked away from a tough game with pride, representing our College with an incredible attitude, cohesivity and a thirst to show the Americans what we brought in tomorrow’s game.
Day 9 – Waco, Texas
It was a sleepy morning with a 2:00am bedtime for our teams. After a big first day of tournament, we took our time to get some rest and recovery in, some fun, and some preparation.
Unfortunately, we had games scheduled at the same time, so both teams missed their cheer squad.
The girls played a very physical game against the McGregor Lady Dogs. Claudia dropped 32 against the Lady Dogs who put 38 on their own scoreboard as a team. The final score was 38-54 and the girls are off to the final.
The boys played a competitive game against Tioga. Jasper kicked off the scoring with back-to-back 3-pointers. It was tight all the way to the buzzer with a heated finish. Boys narrowly lost to Tioga 28-34.
We experienced our first NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship game with the Baylor Bears playing the Dayton Flyers in Round 2 at Baylor. We kitted ourselves out in Baylor gear and tried to keep up with the College Band who threw more shade than the teams could throw at each other. It was loud, it was competitive and it was an awesome look at competitive women’s sport at the College level. The Flinders Volleyballers loved every second. Sam broke the Mascot Bear’s heart when he dabbed on him instead of the high-5 that was offered. Dayton got away with the win, but we won on experiences getting to sit in the second row of the stadium and seeing our faces on the jumbotron. It was an excellent day of sport and team spirit!
Day 10 – Waco, Texas
The boys played their final against the home team, the Bruceville Eddy Eagles. The starters walked onto the court with determination. The boys faced a tough game but showcased grit and teamwork against challenging opposition. Despite injuries, the team persevered, finishing the tournament strong and representing their college with pride.
It was a long day waiting for the final scheduled for 6:00pm. It was filled with some rest, cheering for the boys in their final game and arcade games. The girls took the court with a readied approach. Grace Academy hit the first shot but within seconds, Flinders were on the board and then got away with an early lead. Timeouts and crazy calls from the referees couldn’t stop the girls who played a strong defensive game. Abbi dropped two 3-pointers at crucial points in the game to put worry on the oppositions’ faces. The girls held the lead for the entire game (42-31) and walked away with the Varsity Division plaque in the Texas Tournament.
Both teams huddled up outside of the stadium to perform a rousing Flinders warcry to the fascination and admiration of the local high schoolers. Flinders tour shirts worn proudly by all we had played, brought a smile to our faces. The genuine spirit, enthusiasm and unity made all of the teachers on tour proud to be Flinders.
Update #2 from the Flinders Basketball Tour to the United States by Mrs Emmie Cossell
By MyFlinders Community — today at 5:00pm 1 Campus & 4 Roles
Day 6 – Game v Scurry Rosser High School
It was Tech-Free Tuesday here in Dallas. We took a moment to activate some Vitamin D and went to a park to get some sun. The day went well with the consumption of some good food to fuel the bodies before the big game. It was a long drive out to Scurry Rosser High School with nerves running high in the students… not for the game, but for what they might say and ask. Turns out, teenagers talk about the same things and there was nothing to be nervous about.
The girls put on a show. It was a nail-biting last quarter with Claudia dropping two 3s in order to make up the deficit. We went into the last minute tied, before Madi dropped a dime to put us two points ahead. With an aggressive last defensive play, we held off the Ladycats to take our first win of the tour (49v47).
The boys were introduced to the Varsity team and a very challenging match lay ahead. Standing very tall and with a few dunks up their sleeve, the boys from Scurry Rosser played in front of a crowd at home. Our boys faced their most challenging match of the season, and learnt a lot, playing against an older and more experienced team. The boys felt it was a good lesson prior to the upcoming tournament and have reflected on all the ways they think they could go about their first game of the tournament.
The four teams shared dinner with the Americans sure that they would be over to Oz soon. It was a wonderful night of camaraderie, where new friendships were formed, lots of photos were taken and many laughs were shared.
Day 7 – Dallas, Fort Worth
It was a slow start today, with the students feeling the pinch of their week-long travels hit today. The day began late, with an awe-inspiring tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Students marvelled at the stadium’s grandeur, from its towering retractable roof to the massive jumbotron. We went to the very top, at a dizzying height looking out over the playing field. Guided through the locker rooms of both players and cheerleaders alike, corporate suites and even onto the field, they got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host “America’s Team.” Photos and ‘boomies’ at the end zone made for unforgettable keepsakes and straight to the students’ socials.
The excitement continued in the evening as the group headed to Amon G. Carter Stadium to watch the TCU Horned Frogs face off against the Florida Atlantic Owls. The home crowd were dedicated, with the fingers held in the shape of a frog’s face for free-throws and all decked out in purple, they cheered passionately for TCU. Students were stoked to see their own faces up on the jumbotron and watched in awe as the competitive cheerleading squad launched each other into the air at half time. We cheered loudly when the Frogs Aussie player hit a 3 pointer. The Horned Frogs delivered an impressive performance, thrilling the crowd with big plays (particularly defensively) and a commanding win over the Owls.
Between the stunning stadium tour and the spirited football game, the day perfectly blended NFL-level prestige with the thrill of college sports. We drove with silent cars onto our next accommodation, the students feeling tired from their day of events. With a big sleep-in scheduled for tomorrow morning, the students should wake ready to compete in Day 1 of the tournament in Waco. Wish us luck!!
An update from the Flinders Basketball Tour to the United States by Mrs Emmie Cossell
By MyFlinders Community — today at 4:30pm 1 Campus & 4 Roles
Day 1 – Tour of San Francisco
The day began with an energising bike ride across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the cool San Francisco breeze adding a thrilling touch to the adventure. Twenty students pedalled with enthusiasm, stopping to capture breathtaking views of the bay and the city’s skyline. We even saw a seal, and definitely heard it!
Lunchtime brought us to the historic Boudin Bakery, where everyone indulged in signature sourdough bread bowls and mouth-watering sourdough sandwiches. A few adventurous students opted for their famous clam chowder.
The afternoon was spent exploring the colourful Painted Ladies, the iconic row of Victorian houses featured in postcards. Students posed for playful panoramic group photos with the vibrant facades and lush park backdrop. The group then navigated their way to Lombard Street, where its famous zigzagging path doubled as a perfect photo opportunity of the entire city.
Day 2 – More of San Francisco
Following a brief ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, the group explored the eerie remnants of the infamous prison. Students wandered through the cell blocks, guided by an audio tour filled with stories of daring escapes and the harsh realities of life on “The Rock.” The views of San Francisco Bay from the island offered a stunning contrast to its haunting history.
After returning to the city, the excitement shifted to the SAP Center in San Jose for an electrifying NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken. The arena buzzed with energy as fans cheered on the Sharks, who played their game of the season. We brought a piece of home with us, throwing our ‘phins’ to our heads after the Sharks put the puck past the Kraken Goalie. Students loved the fast-paced action, cheering goals and celebrating big saves, soaking up the atmosphere of their first live hockey experience.
The afternoon ended with a high-energy Black Friday shopping spree at a nearby mall. Students dove into the frenzy of sales, hunting for bargains on shoes, specifically. Laden with shopping bags and buzzing with excitement, they compared their finds, before a sleepy drive back following the most hectic retail adventures ever seen by our students. It was a day packed with history, sports, and shoes—a perfect blend of culture and fun.
Day 3 – Dallas, Fort Worth
The day kicked off with excitement in Dallas-Fort Worth as the group headed to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for the highly anticipated SMU Mustangs vs. Cal Bears college football game. Once inside the stadium, the energy was palpable. The SMU band played lively tunes, cheerleaders rallied the crowd, and the students joined in the songs, fully immersing themselves in the game-day experience. SMU showed their strength with a large win over the Bears!
At halftime, the students marvelled at the marching band’s formations and performance, and the airtime of the cheerleaders. The second half brought more excitement as both teams put together some enticing plays. By the end of the game, the group was ready to take the field. Students enjoyed photos with cheerleaders and creating reels of their time in the middle.
Day 4 – Dallas, Fort Worth
The day began with a peaceful, restful morning, allowing everyone to recharge before heading out for a classic Texan experience at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The group gathered along the cobblestone streets to witness the iconic cattle drive, as a herd of rather smelly longhorns paraded by, showcasing a slice of Old West tradition. Students snapped photos and took in the historic charm of the Stockyards, soaking in its lively atmosphere.
For lunch, the adventure shifted to Goldee’s BBQ, renowned for its mouthwatering smoked meats and authentic Texas flavours. Plates piled high with tender brisket, ribs, and homemade sides were enjoyed at picnic tables. The savoury feast left everyone raving about the food and eager to return. A staff member named Rick, shared free Banana Pudding with the group, and students ‘saved some for later’, it was so good!
The afternoon brought a change of pace with a tour of the state-of-the-art basketball facilities at SMU. Students explored the impressive training areas, gymnasiums, and locker rooms, gaining insights into the life of collegiate athletes. Some even tested their skills on the court, adding a fun, ‘how high can you jump?’ element.
Today was Abbi’s 16th birthday. She got to choose dinner; it was fried chicken at Raising Canes!
Day 5 – Dallas, Texas
Training at the Dallas Mavericks Academy was an unforgettable experience filled with energy, skill-building, and basketball excitement. Students were welcomed by expert coaches who provided insights into professional-level training techniques. The session focused on developing key basketball fundamentals, including shooting, ball handling, passing, and offensive strategies.
Participants engaged in high-intensity drills, interactive team challenges, and skill-building exercises designed to improve their game. Coaches shared motivational tips and emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness on and off the court.
The highlight of the day came during the ‘belt’ challenge where consistency in shooting was the key, under the watchful eyes of the Mavericks Academy staff. The encouragement from peers and coaches created a supportive atmosphere.
By the end of the session, students left the court inspired, more confident in their abilities, and with a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to excel in basketball. It was a day of growth, fun, and merch!!
We are enjoying the fast-paced trip, taking in all that the South has to offer here in Dallas.
Kind regards
Mrs Emmie Cossell