The Bremer Basketball Academy, established in 2023, caters to student-athletes at the beginning, intermediate and advanced stages of their basketball development. Student-athletes in the Bremer Basketball Academy are provided with the opportunity to work on their on-court fundamentals through advanced skill development and strength and conditioning programs. Moreover, Student-athletes in the Bremer Basketball Academy strive to embody the program's overarching mission; dream, work and inspire. The combination of high-level coaching, external partnerships and top tier facilities make the Bremer Basketball Academy the place for up-and-coming basketball players to reach their potential.
If you're interested in enrolling your child into the Bremer Basketball Academy, please send an expression of interest via email to James Ringholt (Director of Basketball): basketball@bremershs.eq.edu.au
Partnerships:
Although newly formed, the Bremer Basketball Academy has already secured a number of partnerships with subject matter experts that give our program a point of difference in the community.
Ipswich Basketball Association:
Through a partnership with Ipswich Basketball Association, IBA coaches and NBL1 players come in three times a week, every week, to run sessions with a variety of Bremer students. These three weekly sessions include one for junior girls, junior boys and a high-performance session for boys and girls. Whether you're looking to pick up a basketball for the first time or have years of experience, there's a session for you. We are thrilled to be able to offer these weekly sessions for free to all Bremer State High students.
*See Mr Ringholt in the HPE Staffroom for permission forms to attend these sessions.
Brisbane Bullets:
The Bremer Basketball Academy is also in a formal partnership with the Brisbane Bullets. This partnership, exclusive to Bremer as the only Bullets partner school in the Ipswich region, provides Bremer Basketball Academy students with a number of benefits. These benefits include Brisbane Bullets players attending training sessions to mentor and offer our student-athletes advice, the ability to attend Bullets games and much more.
Hoopers Heaven:
Hoopers Heaven is an indoor basketball shooting and skills centre with DR. Dish and RSPCT Basketball technologies, in a fully air conditioned space. The goal of Hoopers Heaven is to 'shoot perfect'. Members of the Open Boys and Open Girls basketball teams and Bremer High Performance Academy Athletes have the opportunity to use this facility periodically throughout the school year to take the next steps in perfecting their basketball shot.
Basketball in the Curriculum:
At Bremer State High School, basketball is part of the curriculum. Yes, that means basketball is a subject! In Year 7 and 8, basketball specific classes are formed under the Health and Physical Education (HPE) Australian Curriculum. Then in Year 10, 11 and 12 students have the opportunity to complete basketball as a subject under the Sports and Recreation Australian Curriculum. These classes involve sessions in the classroom completing theory work and sessions on-court for the practical component.
Playing Basketball at Bremer:
In 2024, Bremer SHS is fielding twelve teams to compete in external competitions and represent the school. These teams are the following:
7-8 Boys A, B & C Teams
7-8 Girls A, B & C Teams
9-10 Girls A Team
9-10 Boys A & B Teams
Open Boys A & B Teams
Open Girls A Team
These teams will be competing in a variety of external competitions including:
- CISSSA (Combined Ipswich Secondary School Sport Association)
- Elite 8 Tournament (Hosted by Trinity College Beenleigh)
- CBSQ Toowoomba
- CBSQ Sophmore
- CBSQ Junior Secondary Wildcard
- CBSQ Junior Secondary (pending qualification)
- CBSQ Open Wildcard
- CBSQ Open (pending qualification)
Coaching:
Led by Director of Basketball, James Ringholt, the Bremer Basketball Academy is fortunate to be delivered by a number of great coaches with extensive basketball experience. These include but are not limited to:
- James Ringholt
- Grant Kirk-Lauritsen
- Kane Bishop
- Ngaire Kirk-Lauritsen
Brandan Willmann
Sean Bailey
Ethan Sutton
Coach Profile: James Ringholt
Meet James Ringholt, a dedicated basketball coach with extensive experience in both playing and coaching the sport.
With his passion for basketball and a wealth of knowledge, James is committed to developing student-athletes to achieve their full potential.
Playing Experience:
James Ringholt has represented Queensland in several Junior National Championships, from the U16 to U18 age groups. He was also a member of the National Performance Program from 2012 to 2013. As a NCAA Division 1 scholarship athlete at the University of Texas at San Antonio, he honed his skills on the court from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, James became a member of the Brisbane Bullets development and training squad, followed by two seasons with the South West Pirates QBL and presently the Ipswich Force NBL1.
Coaching Experience:
James Ringholt began his coaching career at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), as a summer holiday camp coach and was the First V Assistant Coach at Brisbane Boys' College in 2018. Since then, he has been a coach at the Ipswich Force Holiday Camps and recently as the Indooroopilly SHS Open Girls' Coach. His experience coaching makes him a versatile and valuable asset to our program.
James is also on the management committee for Ipswich Basketball Association.
Coaching Philosophy:
James Ringholt's coaching philosophy is centred on teamwork and defence. He believes that "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This means that James believes in cultivating a team mentality, where players work together towards common goals, rather than focusing solely on individual achievements. Additionally, James believes in the importance of defence and rebounding, two fundamental aspects of the game that can make all the difference in winning championships.
Future Focus for the Bremer Sports Academy:
As a coach for the Bremer Sports Academy, James Ringholt aims to build resilient student-athletes who use basketball as a vehicle to further their athletic, academic, social, and emotional development. His approach to coaching is designed to develop student-athletes holistically, emphasizing the importance of character building and leadership skills.
If you're interested in joining the Bremer Lions and taking your basketball skills to the next level, the Bremer Basketball Academy is for you! Enquire today!
Coach Profile: Kane Bishop 
Introducing Kane Bishop, an accomplished basketball player and coach with a passion for the game. With a wealth of experience both on and off the court, Kane is committed to helping young players develop their skills and achieve their goals through his coaching philosophy of attention to detail, energy, and aggression.
Playing Experience:
With a long history of representing QLD at numerous national championships, including the u16, u18, and u20 levels, Kane is a seasoned player who has honed his skills over the years. He has also played for Ipswich Force QBL/NBL1 from 2013-2021 and currently plays for Red City Roar NBL1.
Coaching Experience:
As a coach, Kane has worked with a variety of teams, including the Ipswich Force boys u18 division 1 representative team, district and regional school sport basketball teams, and the IGS First V team as an assistant coach. He also serves as the Red City Roar Holiday Camp Coordinator, where he shares his knowledge and experience with aspiring basketball players.
Coaching Philosophy:
Kane's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and the impact that small things can have on the game. He encourages his players to play fast, play hard, play aggressively, and bring energy to every game. This approach ensures that his teams are always competitive and exciting to watch.
Future Focus for the Bremer Sports Academy:
Kane's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and the impact that small things can have on the game. He encourages his players to play fast, play hard, play aggressively, and bring energy to every game. This approach ensures that his teams are always competitive and exciting to watch.
Coach Profile: Grant Kirk-Lauritsen (KL) 
Meet Grant Kirk-Lauritsen, an experienced basketball coach and former player who has represented Brisbane and Queensland at various levels. With a coaching philosophy focused on developing well-rounded athletes who possess fundamental skills and positive attributes, Grant is committed to creating a positive and competitive environment that supports the development of the whole athlete
Playing Experience:
A former basketball player with an impressive playing career, Grant represented Brisbane in the under 14-20 age groups, as well as Queensland in 1996. Grant was awarded a Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) scholarship, which he held from 1996 to 1998. He was also a member of the Junior Bullets squad in 1998 and 1999. Grant played for the University of Queensland from 1999 to 2010, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience as a basketball player. His experience as a player has helped him to become a successful coach, as he is able to draw on his own experiences and skills to help his players develop and reach their full potential.
Coaching Experience:
Grant's coaching experience includes coaching Met West 13-16 Years Boys for over 18 years, serving as a South West Metro NBL1 assistant coach from 2021-2022, and coaching for West Brisbane Falcons Juniors since 2018.
Coaching Philosophy:
His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing athletes who are not only physically talented, but also positive people both on and off the court. He believes that every player should possess fundamental offensive and defensive skills to become a well-rounded player. Basketball is a simple game, and Grant strives not to over-complicate it.
Future Focus for the Bremer Sports Academy:
Grant's focus for the Bremer Basketball Academy is to ensure that every student has access to a quality program that enables them to achieve their basketball goals, regardless of their talent level. He is committed to creating a positive and competitive environment that supports the development of the whole athlete.
Facilities
Bremer State High School is home to a number of high-level basketball facilities including two indoor basketball courts with sprung floors, breakaway rims, changerooms, a gym and school bus for transportation to competitions.
For more information please contact our Director of Basketball at: basketball@bremershs.eq.edu.au