Sydney Boys High School

Basketball

Basketball Videos and Links

• Basketball Community media

• Basketball in the Sydney High School Archives
• Sydney Boys High School Basketball Website
• AAGPS Basketball Results

U15 NSW CHS State Champions 2022

Opens NSW CHS State Champions 2022

Opens CHS State Champions 2018

Opens CHS State Champions 2017

U15 CHS State Champions 2016

Opens NSW CHS State Champions 2015

Sydney Schools Shootout Champions 2013

Undefeated U15 CHS State Champions 2012

National All-Schools Champions 2011

Basketball is the most popular sport at Sydney Boys High School, the program caters for boys of all talents and sizes. The basketball program proven very successfull with several GPS premierships including both the First and Second Grade premierships in 2015 and an undefeated GPS First Grade championship in 2014. Sydney High has finished in the top 4 at the Australian All-Schools Championship over the past six years. No other school has so consistently maintained a top 4 rank. Sydney High is competitive in all age groups, having won the 15 Years state CHS knockout competition in six of the past ten years. The Opens Basketball team have been undefeated CHS State Champions 2010-2012, 2014-2015, 2017-2018 and 2021-2022. Our winning percentage is consistently high in all competitions, although the focus is on success as opposed to winning. (As per traditions below)

Sydney High basketball teaches students to commit to the ideals of dedication, hard work, resilience, intelligence and camaraderie. There is a unique communal atmosphere surrounding basketball at Sydney High, not only from the students attending school but also those who have attended it in the past. Everyone involved feels they are a part of the positive culture.

Our program, led by Manager in Charge and Coaches Coordinator Mr Ben Hayman, caters for all levels of ability. Mr Hayman has over a decade of senior representative playing experience in the Waratah league; the highest level in NSW. He has ongoing relationships with many US colleges and has developed players who now play in the United States, who have gone on to the Australian Institute of Sport or the National Basketball League, who have been selected as Australian Boomers (Australian national team), who have played in Europe, and players who have played professional in other sporting codes. Mr Hayman has vastly improved the basketball program over his years of coaching at High together with the committed support of Old Boys and parents to ensure the success that the basketball at Sydney High currently enjoys.

The program's First Grade Coach is Mr Geoff Gerlach. Geoff is an old boy of Sydney Boys High School and 2x basketball MVP from 2012-2015, where he was coached by Mr Hayman. Geoff was scholarship holder for Concordia University Irvine (California). While playing for 4 years, and a year of coaching at the collegiate level, he was also able to complete his undergraduate degree in psychology and a Masters of Coaching. Geoff is also a current player for the NBL1 east team, Sutherland Sharks, where he was award MVP for the 2021-2022 season.

All A and B grade teams are provided with experienced high-level coaches to further their ability. Lower grade teams are coached by Sydney High Old Boys who have developed an extensive knowledge of basketball throughout their time at High. The intent is to built a culture that encourages boys to be involved in the highest standard of basketball they can. For elite players, this means both within the school program and in the Basketball NSW program.

Basketball games are played on Saturday mornings at home and away against the other GPS schools. Where possible, games are played indoors in first rate facilities, including at home in Sydney High’s two court indoor gymnasium.

Parental support is an essential part of the program and has been so for a number of years. Not only in supporting their boys at games but also in becoming members of the Basketball Committee which is an excellent way to help shape the development of the basketball program for the purpose of improving all the 340 boys’ enjoyment of basketball at High.

All parents and old boys are encouraged to be actively involved in the constant improvement in the program, notably Bruce Gordon who has continued to volunteer with the 1sts and 2nds several years after his son's graduation. Old boys such as Shiraz Biscevic (2010), chair of the parents' committee, and Nima Sedaghat (2004), Treasurer, remain active over a decade after graduating.

Training takes place in age groups on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during school under the supervision of experienced and talented coaches including Tom Neal (former Waratah league player, NBL’s Sydney Kings and West Sydney Razorbacks squad), Andrija Dumovic (Australian Boomers, NBL Townville Crocs plus see next paragraph) and Tim Purcell (Sydney Kings squad, West Sydney Razorbacks Squad, Norths Basketball Association Life member).

Many of our athletes play representative basketball at NSW, and National level. As a school we encourage success in sporting endeavour both from within our program - eg, Spencer Llewellyn (Australian School Boys 2008, full scholarship holder Pacific University, California) – and in the student’s commitments outside of school. Many of our students have accomplished great feats with their basketball: Emmett Naar (2019 Australian Boomer, 2017 Australian U19 team, 2010 Oceania Champions; 2011 NSW Metro Australian U18 Champions, scholarship holder, St Mary’s College, California), Andrija Dumovic (2013 Australian Boomer’s squad, 2011 Australian Emus at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Latvia (6th); 2010 FIBA U17 World Championships in Germany (6th); 2010 Australian U18 team, FIBA Oceania Champions; 2010 NSW Metro Australian U18 Champions), Geoff Gerlach (2012 NSW Metro Australian U18 Champions; 2015 scholarship holder Concordia University, California), Craig Moller (2018 Australian Boomers, 2016 Sydney Kings, 2017 Melbourne Tigers National Champions), Christian Jurlina (2014 Washington Scholarship Holder). Other school basketball athletes have gone on to professional representation in other sports, including Lloyd Peris (AFL – Sydney Swans) and Craig Moller (AFL – Fremantle Dockers; Craig has now played basketball and Australian Rules football professionally).  Boys are encouraged to attend Talented Athletic Programs (TAP), National team commitments, NSW state commitments and Intensive Training Camp Programs (ITCP) even during school time.

Sydney High Basketball tradition

The High basketball tradition revolves around

1. Players who will never quit
2. Team mates who will apply themselves relentlessly
3. Playing as a team and for each other

Success comes from those who can focus on the moment, those who are able to ‘play one play at a time’ rather than those who focus on what might happen.

A group who can handle adversity:
In difficult situations or when things are not going our way, it is critical each and every player remain focused and contributes to the team effort. Adversity is overcome by poise; it is essential to focus on the moment with positivity and courage. This is Sydney High tradition. Treat a pressure situation as a challenge rather than a threat. Adversity is a great opportunity.

An assertive group:
Successful players take responsibility for their own actions. They are their own most important coach, manager psychologist etc. they take charge and are proactive. Players who are timid will not communicate effectively or make skilful decisions.

A great defensive team:
This is of particular importance. We want players who are conditioned both physically and mentally towards playing great defence. We want players who are eager to develop the required techniques and have the persistence to restrict and stop an opponent as much as possible for an entire game. Our general goal defensively as a team is to force teams to try and beat us by shooting from the perimeter over a defender’s hand.

A ‘WE’ squad:
Attitudes can be developed just like physical skills. A “WE” group is developed by absence of blame, mutual respect, self- sacrifice and an absence of negative behaviour. Players who see themselves as superior or those who allocate blame to their teammates do not have necessary attributes to play for High or squad. Be proud to represent your school in the best possible way. Project our themes. Play for the team, make your teammates better and project a never say die attitude. The coaching staff are working together to make your season the best experience it can be.

Fixture locations and maps are available for each week in the Upcoming Events section on the front page of this website.