The John Ireland-coached NW side lost to Sydney East (62-25), the Convener’s Team (79-48) and North Coast (73-27) yesterday as three of its stars suffered injuries.

“We lost three of our best players,” Ireland said after yesterday’s 46-point loss to North Coast.

“Laura Baker (Gunnedah) went to hospital but has been cleared of any major back injury although she might have a broken wrist and busted rib.

“Emily Tudman, who scored 15 in our first game and 27 in the second, has a finger or hand injury and Kandelka Knox has just gone down in this one.

“It’s been a tough start.

“But we played really well against Sydney East even though we lost by 37.

“All the girls defended well against a very good side.

“Natalie Graham has been great for us and young Inverell girl Caitlin Bierling has also been very good for us.

“We were in the game against the Convener’s Team up until the final quarter. We lost Laura in the first quarter.”

Ireland and his side have another tough day today.

“We play South Coast first – they’ll be hard – and then Western, who will be even harder.”

12 teams are playing in this week’s NSW CHS Girls’ Basketball Carnival with berths in the State CHS side also on the line for the many talented young

players.

Carnival convener Sue Meade said five selectors and NSW CHS coach Katrina Ferris (Bathurst) would name a side tomorrow.

“They choose a NSW CHS side to play NSW All Schools trials against Combined Catholic Colleges and Combined Independent Schools at Penrith in June,” Meade said.

“They select a NSW All Schools side from that which then plays in the Pacific Schools Games in Canberra in December.

“So there’s a lot to play for and there is a progression there from schools and regionals to here.

“We’ve had some surprise results here today too – some upsets and a number of games with tight results.

“It’s a strong competition, something the girls are all enjoying.”

Tamworth Basketball Association president Craig Long said the State CHS titles had also attracted a large number of parents.

“It’s bringing a lot of dollars into Tamworth,” Long said.

“Plus there is some outstanding basketball being played.”

It is a big week for Tamworth basketball, with the second round of the Northern Junior League Division 2 games being played in the Thunderdome this

weekend.

“We have 63 games here this weekend with teams from Grafton, Lismore, Ballina, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Gunnedah and Tamworth,” Long said.