A Broadmeadows basketballer is hoping to take her game to the highest levels after a breakout season.
Maddison Crotty was a standout for the Hume City Broncos in their youth league women’s side this year.
She was the leading scorer in the Big V youth league division 1 women’s competition and was named in the league’s all-star team.
Crotty also performed strongly in the younger age group, the under-18s where she was named the Broncos most valuable player.
She was named Broncos female club champion at Broadmeadows, while taking out the president’s award.
Her performances also saw her represent an under-18 Vic Select team at the BLIA Tournament and named in the state development and performance pathways.
Crotty can’t believe what she has achieved at such a young age.
“For me, all my concentration this season was around practice and preparation to ensure I was in the best condition to compete each week,” she said.
“Leaving me not much time to stop and reflect on just how much I had achieved.
“That said, upon the completion of the season, I was extremely shocked to look back, releasing just how impactful this session has been for my basketball career.
“Such recognition at a young age is something I couldn’t have imagined.”
Crotty said she loved the challenge of playing in the youth league competition, despite being five years younger than many of her opponents.
“I personally loved the challenge of going against the older and stronger bodies, it really drove me to work on my game, in particular my strength and conditioning to ensure I could be competitive at this level,” she said.
“Having said that, I found it refreshing to be able to bring my youthful playing style to the game, allowing me to challenge some of the older athletes.”
Crotty said her experiences as part of the state development and state performance programs had really impacted her basketball.
She said it was an honour to be part of those programs.
“It’s a really good environment where there is a lot of learning and development,” she said.
“Being surrounded by like-minded athletes and great coaches has definitely benefited my basketball enormously.”
Crotty’s big moment this year was representing Victoria in Taiwan.
It presented an opportunity to represent Victoria while playing against the top Asian colleges, in an international sporting event was truly an amazing experience.
“The friendships and bonds that I made with the coaching staff and players is something that I will never forget,” she said.
“The whole experience of flying overseas to represent my state is one that I am very appreciative for.”
If she wasn’t busy enough, Crotty is a referee at Broadmeadows.
She said while it was a good way to earn money, she also wanted to give back to the local basketball community that had done so much for her.
Crotty said she was unsure what was next.
“I do hope to play at the highest level possible, whether that’s within Australia or overseas, I am undecided.
“As long as I have given it my best shot, I will be happy playing basketball at whatever level that is.
“In the short term, my focus is to complete another successful season at Broadmeadows Basketball Association in the under-18s and youth team and hopefully get the opportunity to play in championship women’s team.”
