![Defence: Ella Constable shadows Taree Wests' Charlotte Wells down the court during Friday's big knockout win. Photo: Peter Hardin 190816PHD81 Defence: Ella Constable shadows Taree Wests' Charlotte Wells down the court during Friday's big knockout win. Photo: Peter Hardin 190816PHD81](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ingYyB85ps4jmG9t8mfsHP/ffc9c8a2-ea7d-4016-94da-587ff5f728a0.jpg/r0_349_2217_3151_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THEY mightn't be mighty in numbers but Timbumburi is a mighty force on the basketball court.
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On Friday the school's girls basketball side shot their way through to the final eight of the PSSA Basketball Knockout with a 28-10 win over Taree West.
It's the best the school, which boasts just over 140 students, has performed in the statewide competition, their journey now taking them down to Bathurst next month for the state finals.
![Team effort: Timbumburi's (L-R) Meg Watson, Josie Humble and Zali Humble swarm on Taree West's Madeline Prowse. Photo: Peter Hardin. 190816PHD46 Team effort: Timbumburi's (L-R) Meg Watson, Josie Humble and Zali Humble swarm on Taree West's Madeline Prowse. Photo: Peter Hardin. 190816PHD46](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ingYyB85ps4jmG9t8mfsHP/c41b79c1-1522-40f5-874b-468089e671f7.jpg/r0_77_2491_1594_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The whole school was to cheer the girls on, and cheer they did.
“The atmosphere was incredible,” assistant principal Andrew McDonald said.
The girls set the tone early, and after a 4-1 first quarter, exploded in the second to lead 14-5 at half-time.
McDonald said they spoke at the first break about being patient in their offence.
![Shooting to win: Ellie Highlands lines up for the shot. Photo: Peter Hardin Shooting to win: Ellie Highlands lines up for the shot. Photo: Peter Hardin](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ingYyB85ps4jmG9t8mfsHP/bc51efa5-090a-4ced-900f-ab0e3dfc0880.jpg/r0_313_1371_2046_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“Passing it around the key and looking for opportunities, and staying tight in defence,” he said.
The defence all game from the girls was “outstanding”.
“And we're not a tall side either so they have to work hard and stick to their players,” McDonald said.
They were also noticeably first to any loose balls.
Zali Humble top-scored with 12 points, while sister Josie netted seven and Ellie Highlands five.
It was the perfect farewell gift for Kyle Gupton, who has been doing some work with the girls, and flies back to the US on Saturday.