USA Tour 2018
On December 27 Ashlea Withers (2017 Junior Girl Club Champion), Jessica Aherne (u18-1 girls) & Paige Rowan (u18-1 girls) from our Lara Giants were given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the USA with the Geelong Supercats
They got to experience some amazing things on their tour as broken down below
Playing Games in the USA
First stop was Texas, where the girls competed in the CapRock classic, the biggest high school tournament in the world. This was a knock out tournament & the girls did exceptionally well, losing 1 game to come in 5th overall.
With a few more one games against local schools in Carolina & Charlotte with one game being cancelled due to the serve weather (-11 degrees was deemed unsafe to travel to the school on a bus)
Collage Experiences
One of the best experiences the girls had was visiting various collages.
Duke University
Home of Steph Curry Duke is one of the biggest collages in the USA
University of North Carolina UNC
Home of NBA legend Michael Jordan, UNC is an amazing place
St Mary’s Game
St Mary’s is known in getting a reputation of being Little Australia. The Gaels have 6 Aussies on their list including Geelong boy Jock Landale (who is averaging 20 points a game & likely to go into the NBA next season) also where Matthew Delladova went to collage. Here the supercat crew even made it to the ESPN telecast as they interviewed Jock.
Duke Game
Experiences….
NBA Game – Miami Heat vs Detroit Pistons
Not only did the crew get a great NBA game, they got to go on the court at half time & have a foul shot after the game. Definitely an experience to remember
NHL Game – San Jose Sharks vs Arizona Coyotes
Universal Studios & Disney Epicoc
Alcatraz
Golden Gate Bridge Ride
Ganon Baker
Ganon travels the world reaching kids through basketball teaching and enhancing their basketball skills. He has worked with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Amar’e Stoudemire, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Vince Carter. All the kids were amazed & got so much out of this session
Home Stays
One of the special parts of the trips were the home stays the girls got to experience. They had 3 home stays & got to experience the American Life while educating the host families on some Aussie traditions such as Vegemite.
This trip was truly an amazing experience the girls & the rest of the travelers will never forget. A massive thank you to Sarah, Basketball Geelong, NPIRE travel for a professional & fun trip. We encourage any of our juniors out there who share this dream, work hard on your game, start saving your dollars & keep your eyes open for this opportunity, whether it is thru the supercats or other touring companies.
Upcoming Events
Oct
The Lara Giants wish to advise that the 2024 AGM will be held on Sunday October 27 at 7pm at the Bisinella Centre on Buckingham St Lara. All positions will be vacated & a new committee will be elected. All members (including parents of junior members) are invited to attend. We are always looking for new […]
Oct
Lara Giants Austin Lara Uniform day on Sunday October 6th at Beckley Park from 2pm.All new players or those needing a bigger size need to reserve a time to try on & collect your uniform in preparation for our upcoming summer seasonBook: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1293372
Sep
The day starts at 10am on Sunday September 15 at the wonderful Beckley Park function room which was a great venue last summer presentation day. Times for each age group– 10am Programs – Mini, Giants, Little Giants, Shooting Stars, Mighty Giants– 10:30 Under 10 boys & girls– 11am U16, U18, U19 & Club Champs & […]
Jun
Free Hoop City Clinic for our U12 & U14 players. Register here https://forms.gle/EtpEfAyuyHh49Dvi7
Apr
Uniform Day is today at Lara Community Centre on Waverly Road Lara between 4pm to 6pm If you are a new player or needing a new Austin Lara uniform you can come along & collect your uniform today. First games are this week so make sure you are ready. To help ensure speedy service for […]
Mar
Sunday March 24 – Details TBC
Feb
Free Clinic for all in our community. More info www.laragiants.org.au/giantclinic24/
Jul
Sunday August 27 Lara Primary School 1pm U10s, 2pm U12s 3pm Programs – Shooting Starts, Little Giants, Mighty Giants & Pipsqueaks 3:30pm U14s, 4:30pm U16s, u18s & u19s
Jun
Join us for a fun night of Trivia…. But with a twist. There will be a strong emphasis on TV, Movies, Sport & Music as well as other crazy fun games & activities for all to enjoy
Jun
The Lara Giants are off to watch the NBL1 action with the Geelong United Supercats on Saturday June 3rd at the Geelong Arena. More info Lara Giants – Geelong Supercats Club Night