Burdekin Christian College’s open boys’ basketball team made history by winning the inaugural Calvary Cup, held at Townsville Basketball Stadium on November 28. Competing against schools like Annandale, Whitsunday, and hosts Calvary Christian College, BCC’s boys remained undefeated, securing the boys' basketball title.
Coach Rachel Cornelius praised the team’s effort, while BCC also celebrated standout performances from Peter Heron, Linked Darr, and Lataiah Trindle, who were awarded Best & Fairest honors. Despite limited facilities, BCC’s success reflects determination and teamwork, with the school eager to defend its title in next year’s event.
Burdekin Christian College’s open boys’ basketball team has won the inaugural ‘Calvary Cup’, a new inter-school sporting competition. The highly anticipated new event took place on Thursday, 28th November, and was held at the Townsville basketball stadium.
The competitive and tight competition included other Christian schools within the Far North Queensland region, such as Annandale Christian College, Whitsunday Christian College, and Calvary Christian College, who hosted the event.
“Burdekin Christian College (BCC) was invited to compete in the very first Calvary Cup by Calvary Christian College in Townsville, which we were very excited by” says Rachel Cornelius, who coached the boys’ team to victory.
BCC had several teams represented, which included grade 7-9 students in both the boys’ and girls’ basketball and netball.
The open boys’ team won the boys' basketball Calvary Cup, with David Nourdine coaching the girls’ basketball team, who fought well despite not being the most experienced team and facing a few injuries.
“The girls fought really well. They had a very strong game. Although they were not the most experienced team out there, they had a good fight. They played really well as a team, and even though there were a few injuries, they just persevered through the competition. I’m really proud of them,” David, BCC girls’ basketball coach says.
The boys’ second team, coached by Jerri Cakau, though less experienced, demonstrated good sportsmanship throughout despite not winning any games.
“They weren't an overly experienced team, but they played really hard. Unfortunately, they didn't win any games but showed good sportsmanship and really enjoyed being part of the competition,” Jerri says.
However, it was the open boy’s team, coached by Rachel Cornelius, which was undefeated and won the Calvary Cup for the boys’ basketball division, in what was an exciting and well organised event.
“We made history in the fact that, it's the first time that we have been invited, first time they’ve run the competition, and then to win one of the cups, was beyond our wildest expectations,” says Rachel.
There were three Calvary cups: one for netball, one for girls' basketball, and one for boys' basketball. The netball team, coached by a year 12 student, did not qualify for the finals, while the boys' netball competition was canceled due to lack of participation.
Other notable achievements on the day for BCC, included three of their students, Peter Heron (Open Boys Basketball); Linked Darr (Boys Basketball); and Lataiah Trindle (Girls Basketball), who were all awarded the Best & Fairest players for their respective divisions, in the cross-Christian school rivalry.
Despite being small and having limited facilities, the school is extremely proud of its achievements. While the event was praised for fostering inter-school Christian competition and good camaraderie.
“The competition was a really good initiative for bringing Christian schools together and we look forward to it becoming an annual event. Overall, we had a very successful competition and we can’t wait to defend the boy’s title,” says David with a smile.
Burdekin Christian College’s open boy’s basketball team hoisting their winning Calvary Cup aloft. Photo: Supplied by BCC
BCC’s open boy’s basketball and their coach, Rachel Cornelius. Photo: Supplied by BCC
The BCC girl’s basketball team and their coach, David Nourdine. Photo: Supplied by BCC
Lataiah Trindle, who won the Best & Fairest players for the best girls' basketball player. Photo: Supplied by BCC