2010 AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY JUNIOR BASKETBALL CUP
2010 AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY JUNIOR BASKETBALL CUP.
Eleven of Mount Gambier’s best junior basketballers, members of the 120 player SA Country contingent, performed very well in the 24th Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup played in Albury last week.
More than 600 junior basketballers and their families, along with eighty five referees and officials congregated in Albury NSW for the week long Country Cup.
Victoria and NSW Country teams again dominated the six age group divisions as shown by the Gold Medal games results.
Under 14 Girls: Vic Goldminers 57 d NSW Waratahs 45.
Under 14 Boys: NZ Kea 78 d Vic Goldminers 48.
Under 16 Girls: NSW Waratahs 70 d Vic Bushrangers 53.
Under 16 Boys: Vic Bushrangers 77 d NSW Waratahs 62.
Under 18 Girls: Vic Bushrangers 86 d NSW Kookaburras 78.
Under 18 Boys: NSW Kookaburras d Vic Goldminers 63.
Three of the 12 SA Country teams advanced to semi-finals but did not manage to secure a spot in the grand finals. The SA Country Under 14 Girls Sharks pulled off the upset of the Cup by defeating unbeaten Vic Bushrangers in the Qualifying final and then were gallant in their 6 point loss to eventual winners Vic Goldminers in the semi-final.
Mount Gambier’s Danika Jolley made an impressive start but suffered an ankle injury which meant an early end to her week.
The SA Magpies under 16 Girls stayed in touch with gold medallists NSW Waratahs in the first half of their semi-final, but could not sustain the pressure and were beaten 44-67.
Talented Emily Stafford had a great week as a key player for the Magpies in this age group.
Three Mount Gambier players, Matt Markiewicz, Jackson Trappett and Captain Matt Parslow were important members of the Under 16 Boys Magpies team. They missed out on s spot in the semi-final by 2 points to SA Sharks, who in turn lost to gold medallists Vic Bushrangers in the semi-final.
Sam Stafford made a most impressive debut at state junior basketball level as a member of the Under 14 Boys Magpies team. He led his team’s scoring; averaging around double figures and bagged a high of 18 points in the team’s 2-5 record for the week.
Brianna Falland and Jak Ryan had their first tastes of state competition and acquitted themselves well. Both adapted to the lift in standard of play and have obviously gained in knowledge and confidence. It was good to see them both make the most of this once in a life-time opportunity.
Sam Loughhead opened the Tournament in good form as an on-court leader of the Under 16 Sharks. It was however disappointing to see her sidelined by an ankle injury sustained mid-week.
Maddi Wilson was appointed captain of the Magpies’ Under 18 Girls team and led her side very well. Abby Loughhead was a member of the Under 18 Sharks’ team and played with authority and poise. Magpies defeated Sharks in the regulation game but Sharks reversed the decision in the Under 18 Girls’ playoff game.
Referee Ali Burch of Mount Gambier had a most rewarding week at the Cup.
She was given the honour of officiating in the Under 18 Girls Grand Final between Vic Bushrangers and NSW Kookaburras and was awarded a Cup Referees Scholarship at the Closing Ceremony.
2011 will be the 25th year of the Country Cup and will be played from January 17th to 22nd.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.