ALL Saints Parish School’s students have enjoyed several weeks of basketball action during their Physical Education classes, with Canadian basketball import Cassandra Brown showcasing the sport to the next generation of athletes.

Brown, who came to the region in 2022 to play for Mount Gambier in the NBL1 women’s competition, said the clinics she has been running at a number of schools came about as a result of her time back in Canada during her most recent off-season.

“I started the academy over there, before bringing it back to Mount Gambier and it’s kind of taken off from there,” she said.

“It’s been great being able to do this while also playing basketball myself at the same time.

“I’ve really been enjoying the opportunity to share my love of the game with a new generation… it’s really nice to be in the position I’m in where I hopefully get to inspire people to play basketball.”

Brown has played a starring role for the Pioneers (who have also featured Portland youngster Summer Millard for the 2023 season) averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes of action per game.

So successful has her campaign been that she’s signed with Townsville Fire for the upcoming WNBL season.

“I’ve loved playing basketball in Australia, I’ve played in 13 countries now… it’s nice being in a place where English is the first language that’s for sure,” she said.

“Hopefully we (Mount Gambier) can go deep into this year’s playoffs and get some reward for our efforts this season.”