2026
INVITATIONAL
TOURNAMENT
RESULTS - MATCH REPORTS
LADDER - TOP SCORERS
20 October to
1 December
2026 INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
20 October - 1 December
RESULTS - MATCH REPORTS
LADDER - TOP SCORERS
Round 1 Match Reports
Tournament gets off to a flying start
The inaugural Lane Cove Cockatoos Invitational Tournament tipped off on Tuesday night, marking an important step in creating more opportunities for wheelchair basketball players to compete and develop.
Five teams are taking part, giving players the chance to test themselves against different opponents. It's also a chance for some to play their first competitive game, while others are getting back on court after thinking their playing days were over.
Cockatoos Green open with a win and a special family moment
Cockatoos Green made an impressive start, defeating Central Coast Waves 35-18, and possibly being the team to beat. The Waves were without a couple of their key big men which left them short of some valuable size and presence on court, and the local side made the most of that opportunity.
Ahmad El Haj Youssef and George Lund led the Cockatoos with 10 points apiece, while promising junior Nate Simon added eight. Despite the final margin, the contest was more evenly matched than the score suggests, with Cockatoos Green simply being more accurate when it mattered most.
After siren free throw seals a thrilling draw
The second game delivered pure sporting drama. Cockatoos Women and Sydney Uni Lions played out a gripping 25-all draw in a see-sawing contest where neither side led by more than four points.
Tani Vollmer showed the way for the Cockatoos with 14 points, doing serious damage inside the key after some superb assists from Louise Hewson and Kylie Gauci. Four-time Paralympian Kylie added 7 points, with her pace and fast-break skills causing plenty of problems. For the Lions, fellow Paralympian Hannah Dodd top-scored with 15, finding her range from outside the key, while Lee Drewe contributed 6.
Up next
Cockatoos Green face Cockatoos Women on Tuesday 27 October at 5:35 pm in an intriguing local derby.
Followed by Sydney Uni Lions versus Manly Wheel Eagles at 6:35 pm.
Central Coast Waves have the bye.
The Competition
5 teams → Single round-robin → Finals
The tournament runs from 20 October, with each team playing every other team once.
The top four teams qualify for the finals, with semi-finals and grand final scheduled for 1 December.
Games are played at Galuwa Recreation Centre, Lane Cove, under the competition by-laws.
Teams are Cockatoos Women, Cockatoos Green, Manly Sea Eagles, Central Coast Waves, Sydney Uni Lions.
Creating more opportunities
The 2026 Cockatoos Invitational is the inaugural edition of what we intend to become an annual wheelchair basketball tournament.
The tournament brings together selected teams for a structured competition designed to increase playing opportunities for wheelchair basketballers and provide more opportunities to compete, develop and connect with other players and clubs.
We're starting with a small, invited field and a focus on competitive, enjoyable basketball. If the inaugural tournament is successful, we hope to make the Cockatoos Invitational a regular fixture on the wheelchair basketball calendar.
Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT Authorised Tournament
This tournament is being conducted by Lane Cove Cockatoos Wheelchair Basketball Club Inc and is affiliated with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT, the governing body for wheelchair sport in NSW and the ACT.
Anyone is welcome to join Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT to keep up with all their news and events, and to support our great sport.
WSNSW/ACT Membership Application
Ready To Play?
There are still openings for you to play if you have some experience in the sport and know the basic rules. This is your chance!
If you have any further questions, contact Head Coach Gerry Hewson on 0448 726 365