Bronte Hennessy (left) and Kianna Manu (right) at their WA State Country training session last weekend. Photo: Sonya Hennessy.
Two of Esperance’s best junior basketballers are firing up for the U16 National Championships in Victoria next month.
Breakers’ teammates Bronte Hennessy and Kianna Manu were selected for the WA State Country Basketball team and will play against Australia’s top junior players in Bendigo in July.
It is the second consecutive year Kianna has been selected for the squad but for first-timer Bronte it is a step towards her dream of going pro.
“Hopefully I get to play for Lynx – the women’s basketball team for Perth,” Bronte said.
At just 15, her career is at least a few years away yet, so for now she is focussed on the tournament ahead.
“I’m excited to play against other states and see the competition and hopefully get a few wins and also just hang out with my friends,” she said.
Bronte has been shooting hoops since she was seven, and although she said she was one of the shorter basketballers on the team, she makes up for it with her playmaking abilities as a point guard.
After eight years of competing, she also knows how to fire herself up before a game.
“Listening to music – upbeat and hype stuff,” she said.
“Maybe Finesse by Bruno Mars.”
Bronte was one of 10 successful players to make the country national’s team, chosen from 100 initial triallists.
She said she had been training extra hard this year after she narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2024 country national’s squad.
“I was very stoked because last year I didn’t get to, but this year it was good because it made me feel like I deserved it more,” she said.
“I love making connections and new friends, and when I play and do something good I feel proud of myself — and when other people are there to hype me up it feels good as well.”
Bronte’s and Kianna’s talents have been finessed in Esperance, helped along by their Breakers’ coach and Bronte’s father Cam Hennessy.
Esperance Basketball Association President Chloe Weckert said Bronte and Kianna were natural leaders and had exceptional game intelligence.
“Both their basketball IQ, vision, and ability to control the pace of the game set them apart,” Weckert said.
“Bronte’s incredibly composed under pressure and brings out the best in those around her — her work ethic and consistency are second to none.”
She said Kianna brought an “unmatched level of energy and intensity” to the court.
“She’s athletic, fearless, and always willing to take on a challenge,” she said.
“Her defensive hustle, ability to drive hard to the basket, and commitment to improving every week make her a standout player.”
Weckert described Bronte’s and Kianna’s selection to the state team as an “exciting and proud moment” for the local basketball community.
“Having two girls from Esperance selected showcases the up-and-coming talent we have in our region and highlights the dedication of not just the players, but also their families and coaches who support them,” Weckert said.
“When young players from Esperance see their peers achieving at a state level, it makes those goals feel real and attainable.
“It creates a ripple effect of belief and motivation throughout the junior ranks and encourages others to aim high and put in the work.”
Athletes in rural and regional locations face more hurdles to progress in their sports.
But Weckert said the Esperance Basketball Association worked hard to create exposure through development camps, state trials and tournaments.
She said many players, like Bronte and Kianna, made the effort to travel for higher level training and competitions too.
“It’s recognition of the hard work that happens behind the scenes in regional sport,” she said.
“It’s not always easy, but with the right support system and determination, our players can absolutely take their basketball to the next level.”
The Basketball Nationals Competition runs from July 6 to 13.
Bronte said the WA state country team would be aiming to win more matches this year compared to previous tournaments.
