KORUMBURRA Wildcat Krystal Arnason recently played in front of college basketball coaches in the United States, now back home and looking forward to representing Melbourne Tigers’ Under 18 side in Perth at September’s National Club Championships.
The event is part of Hoopfest, Arnason’s Tigers having qualified by winning the National Junior Classic in Melbourne in the Under 18 competition, Arnason being best on court in the Grand Final.
It’s her first season with the Tigers, having joined them when Korumburra was unable to get a team up for the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) competition.
She trains a couple of times a week with the Under 18 side and plays Friday nights at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), having a further training session each week with the Tigers’ youth league side for those aged up to 23, for which Arnason also plays.
The 17-year-old expressed her appreciation for her mum and chauffeur, Bec, who makes the demanding travel schedule possible.
“She’s committed to drive me two hours each way most nights a week, so I thank her a lot,” Arnason said.
While Arnason tends to play through the centre and forward for the Tigers, she explained defence is also an important focus.
“Our team is strong with defence, so we all have to be really good defensively,” she said.
Korumburra basketball identity and coach Chloe Hogg has previously highlighted Arnason’s defensive nous.
“Krystal’s always a standout, crushes boards and protects our hoop, and saves our bums on the defensive end,” Hogg said.
Arnason explained the experience she is gaining representing the Tigers is proving a real positive.
“It boosts my development because you get to play against some of the best of the state,” she said, noting there are also some of the best in her team.
The Melbourne Tigers held a fundraising lunch in South Melbourne on Saturday, July 27, and are also fundraising online through the Australian Sports Foundation, with Arnason saying the aim is to reduce financial stress on players’ families.
Visit asf.org.au and search for Melbourne Tigers to donate, with the donations page headed ‘Melbourne Tigers Under 18 National Club Championships’.
Arnason’s recent American trip to Kentucky was organised through a tour group that takes kids across Australia to the US to put their basketball skills on show.
She can look forward to hearing from US colleges and hopes to play in one of the top couple of divisions when she eventually heads over to America to study.
Korumburra sides will be back in Country Basketball League action when the season gets underway in October, with Arnason looking forward to playing in the Wildcats’ orange outfit again.
