Girls
The SSS Tournament is run over 1 day in the April School Holidays and is open (in 2 divisions) to all high school teams in Sydney, Australia or overseas. In 2024 it will be on Friday April 26th at either Cranbrook School or Willoughby Leisure Centre.
The Senior division is named after WNBL Hall of Famer- Karen Dalton- Head Coach and former player at the top level in Australia winning Olympic and World championship medals.
The Junior division is sponsored and named after by the Sydney Schools Shootout.
All teams play a minimum of 4 games on Day 1 (boys) or 3 games on Day 1 and a 4th on Day 2. Top two teams in pools of 4 or 5 qualify for play-offs on Day 2.
In 2013, a girls competition began in association with the Sydney Flames. 7 teams from independent and public schools competed for the Karen Dalton trophy at Sydney University with Oakhill defeating Redlands in a very close finish.
In 2014, Queenwood won a smaller 4 team tournament at rooftop, defeating North Sydney Girls, with Mosman and Willoughby girls playing off for 3rd/4th.
In 2015, 8 teams played in two pools of four-the beginning of the format of Senior and Junior divisions.St.Lukes won the senior division-North Sydney were junior champions.
In 2016, Abbotsleigh School hosted an expanded competition with 18 teams across 2 divisions. St Luke’s Grammar School won both divisions.
2017 saw a move to Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, as schools were unable to host and once again St Luke’s Grammar claimed both trophies.
2018 sees a return to Abbotsleigh School on Friday April 27.
Sydney Schools Shootout – 2018 Girls Results @ Abbotsleigh School
Review
A fantastic day with most games being highly competitive. The Senior Grand final in particular was hard fought between Willoughby and Brigidine and congratulations to Willoughby on their first premiership (Karen Dalton Trophy) since the tournament’s inception in 2013. St Luke’s were too strong for Willoughby in the junior division however, this was a reversal of form as Willoughby defeated St Luke’s in round 1.
Special mention to Charity Bounce for their strong performance with limited preparation. Also to Roseville, Mosman and Queenwood for helping to build a tournament for all schools and abilities. Hopefully, 2019 will see a return to a 16 team format and please let me know of any suggestions about timing, dates or venues.
Finally a big thank you to Kirsten de Forest at Manly and her team of referee and bench officials. A big relief for parents and staff not to have to fill this important and often stressful roles in basketball games.
Tournament Director