Blayke Bingham is a senior multi-sport standout at Logan County High School. She is the daughter of Billy and Melodie Bingham.

I had the opportunity of a lifetime when Coach Finley Baird submitted my name as a candidate to participate on America’s Team in Australia this past summer. The tour is a part of the American Council for International Studies, Inc. The trip was self-funded and led by retired Monroe County Girls Basketball Coach Dewayne Murray.

Coach Murray assembled players from across Kentucky including: Mason Towery (daughter of former LC assistant Coach Clark Towery), Sarah Sutton – Murray State commit, Chloe Cooke, all from Allen County Scottsville; Bailey and Mallory Pedigo, Barren County, Addison Loy, Russell County, Maddie Wood, Marion County and me.

After a grueling 19-hour flight we hit the ground running with our Australian Friendship Sports tour guide Matt to tour the Darling Harbor. The following morning we got up early to get in a couple of hours of practice. In the afternoon, we caught a ferry from Darling Harbor to Circular Quay, climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and had a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, and explored The Rocks.

On the third day, we went to Bondi Beach during the day. We went on the Bonte Clifftop Coastal Walk, saw the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool, and were finally able to compete that evening in our first game.  

The host team was extremely welcoming including playing both America’s and Australia’s national anthems. Despite a considerable height disadvantage, America’s Team was able to come away with the victory.

The fourth day of our trip, we boarded a bus to fly to Brisbane and our Gold Coast Accommodations. The Gold Coast was absolutely beautiful. The sunrise and sunset views were breathtaking. After getting settled in and having lunch, we toured a bit on foot. The next morning, we arose early to take in a surfing lesson. That was so much fun!

That evening we played the most talented team of players I have ever played, Hillcrest Christian College. This team was phenomenal and coached by FIBA Hall of Famer Pero Cameron. We tried multiple defenses, but could not stop their offense from putting up 90 points. We scored 48 against them and they said that was the closest anyone had played them this year.

And did I mention, they said two of their best players were missing due to playing on the New Zealand National Team?

Our loss was salved over the following morning when we were able to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We got to hold koala bears and pet the kangaroos, definitely a highlight of our trip. 

That evening we played Gold Coast Team 2 and won. Following the game, we had dinner with the team and were able to exchange gifts and ask them questions about Australia. I enjoyed getting to know the girls and listening to their accents. They were most interested in our President and what it was like to live and go to school in America.

On the next day we played a morning and afternoon game. We lost the first one in a nail-biter and won the final game by 10 points.

Some of the differences are court layout, they have a lane that is ovular instead of rectangular – this gives a slight advantage to the offensive team when shooting free throws. They have a shot clock, but did not use it. They play 4 – 10 minute quarters, and when inbounding the ball at half court, you must not cross mid-court into the back-court.  We again were able to spend time with the girls after the games and socialize. We exchanged t-shirts, added each other on snap chat, and just had a good time.

Our final tour day was wrapped up at Byron Bay. Cape Byron is Australia’s most easterly point where the in-service lighthouse is famous, and this is one of the best whale watching places in Australia. The town of Byron Bay was very eccentric, and people there were fascinating to converse with. On this day we tried the native meat pie – it wasn’t bad.  

In summary, I was not sure what to expect and that alone provided for so much excitement. I am so thankful to have had the chance to play with some of the best players in the Fourth Region as teammates, as well as the best competition Australia had to offer. I made lifelong friends from this trip, and was able to tour a beautiful country.