Runcorn State High School's Basketball Excellence Academy is recognised by other schools, basketball associations and peak sporting bodies for its elite student-athlete pathway. Our head coach, Mr Blake Bunn, has a wealth of experience both playing and coaching at elite levels. Our school has had a number of past students go on to play basketball at professional levels and our ongoing connections mean that all players have access to these pathways.
Highlights of our Basketball Excellence Academy
- 3 X 70 min coaching sessions per week as part of timetabled curriculum for Years 7-10 (elective for Years 11 and 12)
- High quality coaches with specialised programs for all age groups
- World class facilities with 2 X timber floor courts within a newly refurbished hall and 2 outdoor courts
- All year-round competitions and events
- Access to world renown coach, Sidney Mines who is an ex-professional basketball player. Sidney Mines Institute of Basketball operates out of the hall and Coach Mines' close association with our program sees him doing guest coaching sessions
- Easy access to both a local club (Runcorn Rockets) and Representative basketball (South-West Pirates) who hire the hall after school and on weekends
- Well-resourced gym to accompany the program and help lift you to the next level
- Be part of a team and legacy that spans decades with successful alumni and clear pathways to USA/European College programs
- Be part of a high expectations culture that values you as a person first, and player after, with a supportive educational program tailored to your aspirations
- Learn the value of what it means to be a Runcorn Blue!
Application to be part of the Runcorn State High School Basketball Program requires all athletes to undergo a trial process, conducted at key points throughout the year. Scholarships are available for elite athletes.
How to apply
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT RUNCORN SHS STUDENT: Submit an online Horizons Program Expression of Interest and email through the appropriate supporting documentation where necessary.
External link
Our Coaching Staff
Our Venue
In 2026 our sports hall was refurbished with a completely new roof, ventilation system, louvers, foyer redevelopment and drainage systems. The new improved courts will serve our community for many years to come.
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Our gymnasium was also recently expanded to include a cardio room and outdoor space. Combined with the existing weights room, they provide athletes with high quality tools to support their recovery, development and stamina.
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Competition Opportunities
Our school teams compete in a wide range of competitions and events throughout the year. These include:
- Southside Basketball Premier League (Senior boys and girls, junior boys and girls)
- Regional CBSQ
- Junior CBSQ (Champion Basketball School of Queensland)
- Senior CBSQ (Champion Basketball School of Queensland)
- Karawatha District Interschool Sport
- Metropolitan (Greater Brisbane) Finals
- Eastern Taipans District trials
- Metropolitan West Trials
- Queensland Schools Championships
- Australian School Basketball Championships
- Development league games (vs Calamvale C.C. and Elanora SHS)
Affiliate Partnerships
Sydney Mines Institute of Basketball
Champions train, losers complain – we practice with purpose, play with passion. This is the motto of the Sidney Mines Institute of Basketball that operates out of the Runcorn SHS hall. Coach Mines was a teacher at Runcorn SHS and developed the original Basketball Excellence Academy program at the school.
An ex-professional basketball player, Coach Mines still holds several records for the number of points and rebounds in professional leagues in Australia. Coach Mines offers a range of training programs and holiday camps to suit the needs of all athletes.
Runcorn Rockets
Runcorn SHS is home to the Runcorn Rockets basketball club. Established in 1999, the club has quickly grown to over 900 members and 60 teams. We encourage all players to join the Rockets, and new players can always find a team and level of competition to match their skills.
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South-West Pirates
The South West Metro Pirates basketball association offers players representative basketball opportunities within the local region. Based out of Hibiscus stadium which is a short 10min drive away, the South West Pirates use Runcorn SHS as a training and playing venue. The South West Metro Pirates offer pathways all the way to NBL1, just below the NBL professional league.
Basketball Alumni
Cameron Bairstow – 2014 NBA Draft – played for Chicago Bulls. Also played NBL in Australia for Brisbane Bullets. Played for Boomers at 2016 Rio Olympics
Simone Honeyman - Queensland U20 Representative, Spalding Universirty Kentucky, NBL 1 Sothern Districts
Jonothan Mines – European Basketball League – Koroivos B.C. Also played for New Mexico Highlands University and NBL1
Ben Thompson - NBL Brisbane Bullets, Perth Wildcats, Sydney Razorbacks, New Zealand Breakers
Zitina Aokuso – WNBL Townsville Fire, European League OGM Ormanspor, played for Australian Opals
Zafer, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
How to apply
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT RUNCORN SHS STUDENT: Submit an online Horizons Program Expression of Interest and email through the appropriate supporting documentation where necessary.
Contact Us
For more information on our basketball excellence academy email basketballacademy@runcornshs.eq.edu.au.