Photo by Tami Garcia; courtesy of the North Port Sun newspapers.

On behalf of the Eltham College Basketball Team players and staff, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for the hospitality and generosity you showed to my players and staff. From the pre-match meal to the game itself and finally, the after match meal and homestays, our girls have not stopped talking about how much teen thoroughly enjoyed the experience. You and your school have truly gone above and beyond anything we could have expected and I cannot thank you enough for this. The half time show was definitely a highlight for our girls!

You should be very proud of your girls conduct both on and off the court and they are a credit to your coaching and wonderful influence. Our girls relished the opportunity to attend classes this morning and I hope that we continue to maintain contact and share some basketball stories over the coming months/ years.

All the best for the rest of your season!

Regards,

Justin Teves

Varsity Coach

Eltham College

NORTH PORT -- Miley Cyrus' song "Party in the USA" played over and over again as the bus carrying girls from an Australian basketball team reached North Port High School Monday morning.

Less than a half hour after the Eltham College (high school) basketball team arrived at the high school, they were seated at a breakfast table with members of the NPHS girl's basketball team. The 15- to 17-year-old Australian girls weren't shy in asking the local girls about everything from clothing shopping and fun things to do in Florida to if they had a Facebook or Twitter account, and if they are allowed to drive at age 16.

After the teams were served breakfast by students in the school's culinary arts program, they practiced for the big basketball game.

"We were told there would be no pressure," said NPHS student Ashley Jones, 14, adding she was "scared" there would be about 800 students watching them play against the Australian team.

For 16-year-old Morgan Crowell, the day was extremely exciting.

"I couldn't sleep last night. I was super excited," said Crowell, whose parents offered their home for three Australian players to stay overnight before leaving to play against a high school in Tampa later today. "I've been excited about this since the day we were told the team was coming and they were going to stay at some of our houses."

Caitlin Lindsey, 15, and her parents planned a party Monday night for about 35 or more players, coaches and parents. They also opened their home to some of the players along with Samantha Black, 16, and Vanessa Price, 17.

Some of the girls said they were unsure what they would do with their house guests because it is a school night.

"One of my teachers still gave me homework," Black said. "I think we will end up talking all night."

Before long, NPHS players were encouraging their new Australian friends to show them their currency and dance styles.

Montana Cox, a 16-year-old Australian player, got up and tried dancing beside a NPHS player. She and her friends chuckled and she quickly sat down.

Justin Teves, the girls varsity coach for the Australian team, said he and Dean Haydock took the Eltham boys basketball team to Virginia and South Carolina to play last year during their summer break. The girls team is now on their summer break from their Australian school.

"We thought it was a tremendous opportunity for the team, (so) we decided to do it again this year with the girls," Teves said, adding the girls had to do several fundraisers for their three-week trip, which began in Miami. "The girls had to sell 100 boxes of fundraising chocolate, which raised about $4,000. They also had a school trivia competition, where there was an auction. They raised about $7,000.

"By having local students house members of the Australian team, it cuts hotel costs."

The coaches talked to NPHS principal George Kenney about computers and other subjects. Kenney said the school plans to replace 2,000 computers next year.

"Our school begins at 9:45 a.m. and ends about 4 p.m.," Haydock said. "We don't have nearly as many computers in the classroom as your school."

Aside from practicing two hours a week, many members of the Australian team participate in community sports not offered on the school campus.

The NPHS girls basketball team practices about 10 hours a week. The varsity team has an 8-1 record.

The North Port girls won the game 66-45. It was held as a reward for local students who had earned a 3.O or higher GPA.

"We thought this was a really great opportunity for the Australian team and our students," said Ron Corso, NPHS assistant principal. "We were really happy to be a part of hosting the girl's team at North Port High School."

E-mail: eallen@sun-herald.com

By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH

North Port Community News Editor