Shepparton’s Charlotte Ogier selected for state duties in netball and basketball, Dashiell Smith earns Vic Country tap

By Liam Nash

Mar 31, 2024

Multi-talented: Shepparton's Charlotte Ogier has earned call ups to the Victoria Country under-16 basketball and SSV 15-and-under netball sides. Photo by Megan Fisher

One of Shepparton’s fledgling dual-sport talents is spreading her wings on not only one stage but two.

Charlotte Ogier hasn’t had much of an off-season, but that’s largely due to her recent call-ups to the Victoria Country under-16 basketball side and the School Sport Victoria 15-and-under netball outfit.

Though Shepparton’s Goulburn Valley League tilt for 2024 is yet to kick off, the young cub has been busy impressing state scouts in her chosen codes.

Come mid-year, Ogier will be furiously flying around the court — or courts, rather.

First up is the 2024 National Under-16 Basketball Championships from July 7 to 14 at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena, where she’ll battle alongside 11 of Country Victoria’s best rising female stars.

She’s not the only Shepparton representative going, either.

Shepparton Gators’ up-and-comer Dashiell Smith has also gained a tap on the shoulder to tackle the finest Australia’s under-16 basketball crop has to offer.

Making his Dash: Shepparton Gators' Dashiell Smith will head off to the National Under-16 Basketball Championships with Victoria Country. Photo by Aydin Payne

Smith is also well-versed in two sports as he has shown promise at football for Shepparton Swans’ juniors, but will switch focus to the round ball game where he’s been earmarked as one of the town’s most electric prospects.

However, once the under-16 basketball titles wrap up, Smith can relax while Ogier only has a fortnight’s rest before launching into yet another national competition.

The young Bear’s next task awaits at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on July 29-August 2 as the School Sport Australia 15-and-under Netball Championships launch into action.

It’s a big month of sport for the talented teen, but Shepparton netball co-ordinator Maz Conti said Ogier had it covered.

“I just think it’s an amazing achievement for a 15-year-old to be selected in two Victorian teams in basketball and netball,” Conti said.

“We’re very proud of her as a club and we’ll support her in what she’s doing with both sports because it’s a bonus for us that she’s still playing netball for us.”

Ogier celebrated her 15th birthday on Sunday, but like last season, she’ll step up to Shepparton’s 17-and-under threshold again.

The athletic and versatile defender helped the Bears to a grand final appearance in 2023 and, though Mooroopna took the flag home on that day, Ogier captured the admiration of many — including Conti.

“Charlotte is very much a team player — for such a young player her leadership on and off the court is second to none,” she said.

“Over the last two years she has developed a great bond with her playing group and is well respected by her teammates and the club as a whole.

“We are very proud of Charlotte’s achievements and her growth — we are very lucky to have such a versatile athlete and we look forward to her future ahead ... Shepparton Bears fully support Charlotte with these accomplishments.”