Promising basketball player eyes a spot at SA Schools Games

Hout Bay Hurricanes Basketball Club’s Junio Cloete has made the cut for the final squad of 12 players selected for the Cape Metro Schools Basketball’s under-14 boys team.

Introduced to the game six years ago by Hurricanes founders and former Hout Bay residents, Natasha Meters and her husband Conray, the lanky teen is set to take part in the Western Cape play-offs and will look to impress the selectors once more and ultimately make the WP Schools’ side that will take part in the SA Schools Games in December.

A fan of the 2018 NBA champions Golden State Warriors and star player, point guard Steph Curry, young Junio, a Grade 8 pupil at Hout Bay High School, said he fell in love with the sport the minute he stepped onto the basketball court.

“I knew this was the game for me. I love the movement of basketball, he says, hoping to emulate his role models on and off the court.”

Roscoe Jacobs, one of the coaches at Hurricanes, says the youngster’s love, passion and commitment to the game has always impressed him.

“Junio's basketball IQ is above average and he doesn't take this for granted. He is continually on the court wanting to better his game. He follows instructions and also has the ability to recognise his mistakes so that he learns from them.

“I also want to commend his parents who have been supportive of his basketball. They attend every game they are able to attend but also engage with coaches to ensure he is in practice when he needs to be,” said Jacobs.