25th June 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Hours after learning strategies to manage self-doubt and performance anxiety, Southern Peninsula Sharks guard Seth White delivered the first 50+ point game in Big V Youth League 3 Men this season.
When Southern Peninsula Sharks guard Seth White exploded for 51 points against Maccabi in Big V Youth League 3 Men last Saturday night, the stat line was remarkable.
The 18-year-old became the first player in Youth League 3 Men to reach the 50-point mark this season and just the second Youth League player across the 2026 Big V competition to achieve the feat, joining Dandenong’s Austin Kirikiri.
"The quality of talent coming through the Big V Youth League continues to impress," Big V League Manager Andrew West said.
"Seth's performance highlights not only the skill level across the competition, but also the discipline and mindset young athletes are developing as they strive to reach the next level,” said West.
But while the points grabbed attention, the foundation for White's career-best performance was laid just hours earlier.
On Saturday morning, White attended his second mindfulness session with Andrew Cipriano, focusing on managing the inner critic that can creep into an athlete's mind during performance.
Like many athletes, White admits he can sometimes become caught up in the result of the previous possession, allowing doubt to creep into his thinking. Saturday proved different.
"I felt different coming into the game," White said.
"I wanted the ball and wanted to be aggressive. I shot my first three shots with confidence, but I missed them all. Normally that's where I'd start getting into my own head.
"But I recognised the doubt and inner critic starting to creep in and used the anchor tool we'd worked on that morning. Once I did that, I settled down and got back to trusting myself."
Rather than dwelling on the misses, White reset his focus and stayed present.
The shift was immediate.
White had 16 points by halftime before catching fire in the second half, finishing with 51 points, including 12 three-pointers.
"The biggest takeaway wasn't the 50 points," he said.
"It was trusting the work I'd put in. I've always worked hard and put in a lot of reps.
"Andrew helped me trust my own ability. It's not luck. It's trusting the work you've already done."
Cipriano said White's ability to recognise the moment and apply the tools under pressure was what stood out most.
"The reality is every athlete experiences doubt at some point during competition," Cipriano said.
"The difference is whether you get stuck there or recognise it and move forward. Seth did an exceptional job of staying present, getting in flow and trusting the work he'd already put in."
As the points continued to mount, White's teammates made sure he kept getting opportunities.
"When I hit 40 points and my teammates were still finding me for good looks on the three-point line, I knew I was a chance," White said.
"Everyone on the bench was saying, 'Go get 40', but in my mind I was thinking, 'I'm going to get 50'.
"I wouldn't have got there without my teammates. The energy and support from the group made it possible. They wanted it as much as I did,” said White.
White's journey with the Sharks began in the club's top-age Under-14 program, progressing through the pathway before entering Youth League four years ago.
For coach Matt Brasser, the performance was the reward for years of dedication.
"Seth comes into the gym every day and puts the work in," Brasser said.
"A 51-point game doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of years of consistent effort, commitment and preparation.
"We're all incredibly proud of what he's achieved, but knowing Seth, this is only the beginning.”
While the milestone performance will be remembered for the points, White's focus remains firmly on team success as the Sharks continue their push towards finals.
"Our goal is to win the championship," White said.
"We've got the talent to compete with anyone, and we're focused on continuing to improve as a group."
Saturday night's performance was a reminder that talent can create opportunities, but discipline, preparation and belief are what turn potential into performance.
For White, the 51 points weren't just a reward for the work he'd put into his game. They were proof that when preparation meets belief, performance can follow.
- Ends-
For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
Thumbnail image courtesy of @mind_starts_now
