Honoring Noah’s basketball passion

By Melissa McNally

ON August 17, more than 300 people filled the Poowong Basketball stadium to show their support and condolences for Noah Peacock’s family and basketball mates. 

Noah tragically lost his life in a car accident less than one week prior. 

Noah was a passionate member of the Poowong Amateur Basketball Association, having played basketball at Poowong for 12 years. 

He played both domestic junior and senior basketball for the Poowong Panthers and he was also a squad representative player. 

Last Wednesday evening, less than one week after his tragic passing, Noah’s team was fixtured to verse his older brother Jake’s team in the senior men’s competition. 

The young sportsman’s family made the decision to proceed with the scheduled game in his honor.

In anticipation for the spring basketball season, Noah had designed and ordered new jerseys for his team, which arrived in the post early last week. Noah’s parents, Jason and Michelle, invited his team mates to their home to open the parcel and to wear the jerseys with pride; and that they did!

In the packed stadium, Noah’s number 8 jersey was hung on the team’s bench by his younger brother Bailey and his parents. 

Eight seconds of silence was held at the start of the game to honor Noah and his contributions to basketball, both on and off the court.

Noah’s family, teammates, friends and members of the local basketball community held their heads high, as many a tear was shed. 

A difficult game for both teams was played in incredible spirits. 

At the final siren, the score showed a fitting 8-point win to Noah’s team. 

Both teams linked arms and formed a circle with Noah’s family and the players gave an almighty three cheers for Noah to conclude the game.