Blake slam dunks scholarship

Blake Kelly has just been awarded the prestigious Halse Rogers all-rounder scholarship to attend Newington College in Sydney.

THE dream of one day playing basketball in America has become another step closer to reality for a Coffs Harbour teenager.

Blake Kelly recently had his first taste of basketball finals action with the Suns in the men’s State League and now he’s taken another giant step forward after being awarded the prestigious Halse Rogers all-rounder scholarship to attend Newington College in Sydney for the next three years.

The 15-year-old was awarded the scholarship after an intensive application process that included academic testing, a panel interview and outstanding sporting achievement.

The move to Sydney is a silver lining on what has been tough 12 month period for the John Paul College student.

To begin with, Kelly was named as first reserve in the NSW State under-16 squad but was unable to take his place in the squad due to major kidney surgery in September. The recovery may have seen him just slip team selection but it didn’t deter his determination.

“I was very disappointed to miss out on playing at the nationals, however, I understood that peak fitness was very important and I had to have the surgery and knew it had to be now,” Kelly said.

Nothing has stood in his way since and six endurance-sapping training sessions a week has paid handsome dividends and a return to full fitness despite several more minor surgical procedures.

Coffs State League coach Matt Shanahan recognised Kelly’s talent and commitment early, leading to the former NBL star taking him under his wing and developing Kelly’s talent with the State League team.

“Matt is such an inspiration to me and I’ve learnt so much from him in a very short time,” he said.

“It’s great for Coffs basketball to have his knowledge and talent here.”

Kelly’s under-16 coach Craig Edwards said he’d find it hard to find a more deserving recipient of such a highly sought scholarship as the talented youngster.

“Blake is a great kid with a passion and work ethic rarely seen in this age group,” Edwards said.

“He is totally focused and committed to his sport and I have no doubt he will be highly successful in Sydney.

“I’ve already been approached by metro teams such as Manly and Sutherland interested in him. It’s a big loss for the Suns but undoubtedly a life-changing opportunity for Blake to shape a very positive future.”

Kelly saw Rex Nottage as Newington College’s head coach the biggest drawcard for trying to get into the school.

Nottage is a renowned coach of the Central Coast ABL team and has long-standing connections within the NBA.

Newington College also has an annual basketball tour to the United States and for Blake it is hopefully a taste of what is to come.

“I want to do University in the USA and playing college basketball there is my goal,”

“Coach Nottage has the connections and I know if I work and train hard I will get there.”

Newington sends, on average, three boys to college in the USA each year on basketball scholarships.

Kelly heads to Sydney early next month for an in-house Newington Intensive camp and tournament prior to the GPS Sydney School season commencing on October 16.

With nine training sessions a week and intensive support from Newington’s team of coaches Blake is sure to get into the swing of boarding school life in no time.

“I’m excited at what lies ahead with a new team and competition, new friends and heaps of training, but I know it’s going to be hard living away from my family and friends,” he said.

“I am very lucky to have a great family and parents who support me 100 per cent.”

Asked if he had any advice for other kids out there who have a sporting dream, Blake laughed and admitted that his mum was right.

“Its not just about sport, you have to work hard at school, do your homework and keep putting in 100 per cent at all your training sessions,” he said.

“I never thought this would be possible but now it’s a reality.

“You can make things happen, if you really want them to.”