Congratulations to Joshua Spark and Emerson McCrea, the 2021/22 IAS BluescopeWIN Basketball Athletes Of The Year!
Joshua Spark has gone from strength to strength on and off the basketball court in 2022. Josh is a committed and focuses young athlete, who continues to strive for success on the court.
Josh was one of the BluescopeWIN Basketball squad captains, leading by example. At the 2022 Your Local Club Academy Games, Josh was one of the standout performers in the competition.
Josh represented NSW Country U16s at the Australian Basketball Championships in Perth. This was Josh’s second time donning the NSW blue, after previously representing NSW in 2019. He is a member of the Basketball NSW State Performance Program (SPP) and competed in the U16 Hoop Fest Tournament.
Josh was the Jr NBA Global Champion after representing the Asia Pacific team in virtual challenges throughout the COVID lockdowns.
“Josh has been a phenomenal leader in our program this year. Having been in the squad for the last 3 years, Josh led the way teaching and demonstrating our key values and work ethic every training session,” Basketball Coach, Maddy Delaney said.
“Josh’s presence in the squad has been instrumental to the junior and senior athletes promoting individual development and accountability.”
Off the court Josh is a volunteer coach and assists in fundraising for Basketball Illawarra.
Emerson McCrea has had an outstanding twelve months, developing in leaps and bounds. Her determination and passion for basketball has put her in great stead for a huge future.
In 2022, Emerson represented NSW Country U16s at the Australian Basketball Championships. Her outstanding performance during the tournament led to her selection in the Australian Under 15 squad, and the opportunity to vie for selection in the team to compete at the 2022 FIBA Oceania Under 15 Championships in Guan in late November 2022.
15-year-old, Emerson was part of the Basketball NSW State Performance Program (SPP), the U17s D-League and the Basketball NSW Hoop Fest.
Emerson has been in the IAS for a few years and continues to positively contribute to the Academy and lead by example. She rose to the occasion at the Your Local Club Academy Games, dominating on the court, as well as refereeing.
“Emerson has approached this season with an extremely positive and motivated mindset assisting her in exceeding her goal of making the NSW Country team and going one step further with National squad selection,” IAS and NSW Country Basketball Coach, Maddy Delaney said.
”She is a kind-hearted, bubbly personality who involves the entire IAS Basketball Squad every time we take the floor at training. She is a great leader to our Squad, leading the way with her work ethic and communication.”
Congratulations Josh and Emerson, we look forward to following your journey!
