South Australian basketball has marked a rare and historic milestone at the 2026 Under 16 State Team Singlet Presentation, with the announcement of a brother and sister appointed as captains of their respective state teams in the same age group on Saturday 20 June 2026 at the State Basketball Centre, Wayville.
In a moment that will be remembered long after the upcoming National Championships, siblings Chloe and Liam George were officially recognised as captains of the South Australian Under 16 Metro Girls and Boys teams respectively, the first known instance of a brother and sister simultaneously leading South Australia at the same national championship level.
While the honour is significant, it was the way the pair spoke about one another — and the visible pride that swept through the room among families, teammates and coaches — that defined the moment.
“Pretty special to share this opportunity with Liam. We are both very excited. He’s really hard-working, always looking out for his team, which I think is what makes him such a good captain,” Chloe said.
Liam was equally complimentary of his sister.
“She [Chloe] stays calm, but she’s also very driven. She’s super committed and always gives 100 percent,” he said.
Chloe forms a key part of the U16 Metro Girls leadership group alongside;
Liam George has been named U16 Metro Boys Captain alongside;
The event brought together the full cohort of Under 16 Boys and Girls State Teams, representing both Metro and Country, alongside coaches, team staff, families and supporters, to celebrate the achievement of selection and the responsibility that comes with wearing the South Australian colours.
For every athlete in attendance, receiving their singlet represents the culmination of years of commitment to the game — early mornings, late finishes, club development, and the sacrifices required to reach state level.
For Chloe and Liam George, that responsibility now carries an added layer of history.
Growing up in the same household and progressing through South Australia’s basketball pathways side by side, the pair have shared countless hours in stadiums, on sidelines and in competition. While their journeys have unfolded in separate teams and environments, their connection through the game has remained constant marked by mutual support, competitiveness and shared ambition.
Basketball SA acknowledged all selected athletes at the presentation, emphasising the importance of representing the state with pride and professionalism at the upcoming National Championships in Bendigo from 5 –12 July 2026. It was also overwhelmingly clear the strength of support from the squad development players, who were out in force backing their selected teammates as they received their South Australian singlets.
Basketball SA Performance Pathways Lead Dee Ranford said:
“It’s so important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our selected State Team athletes. Being able to represent your state on a national stage is an incredible achievement — one they will remember for the rest of their life. What is equally important is acknowledging the development players, who have trained week in, week out alongside those selected, and how important that role is in the South Australian pathway too.“
While the sibling milestone provided a rare historical highlight, the presentation remained firmly focused on the collective achievement of all Under 16 squads.
The Under 16 Metro and Country Boys and Girls teams now turn their attention to the National Championships, where they will compete not only for results, but as representatives of South Australia’s proud basketball pathway system.
Basketball SA would like to congratulate the following athletes for being selected as SA Country Captains:
U16 SA Country Girls Captains:
U16 SA Country Boys Captains:
Following the presentation, athletes took to the court for a series of trial games designed to replicate the National Championships environment, providing an early opportunity for teams to build chemistry and prepare for the challenge ahead.
With the singlets presented and the countdown to nationals underway, South Australia’s Under 16 teams now turn their focus to representing their state with pride on the national stage.
Best of luck to all South Australian teams competing; we’re so proud of you!
If you aren’t able to head to Bendigo to watch the teams live, you can catch their games on the KTV livestream – links will be posted to our socials accounts.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Cindy Halkias
Brand & Communications Manager
Basketball SA
chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
About Basketball SA
Basketball South Australia (Basketball SA) is the peak body responsible for the governance, growth, and strategic direction of basketball across South Australia.
We exist to lead, support, and connect our basketball community, from grassroots to elite, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all participants. Our role spans across governance, competitions, officiating, coaching, high-performance pathways, education, inclusive pathways, infrastructure advocacy, and community engagement. Basketball SA works collaboratively with associations, clubs, government, schools, and industry partners to deliver programs and services that enable basketball to be accessible and impactful in every corner of our state.
We are committed to driving positive change and upholding the integrity of the sport, guided by our core values: Respect, Accountability, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.