The standard of Mount Gambier’s Junior Basketball teams has been recognized by Basketball Victoria Country Council in the Junior Lakers being invited and accepted to play in their 2013 Division 1 and 2 Under 16 and 18 Championships in Bendigo in February.

The Under 18 women’s team, as a result of their impressive performances in the Vic. Country Under 16 championships in 2011 was invited to compete next year. Mount Gambier competed in the Under 18 Championships last year under the guidance of Trevor Semmens and Warwick Kettle. Both teams matched their opponents and players came away as better players as a result of the experiences

This year Jimmy Fleming, Bryan Green and Ray deWit, coaches of Mount Gambier’s Under 16 teams and Under 18 Men were successful through written submissions in gaining entry into the 2013 Vic. Country Championships.

The achievement of having four junior Lakers competing in these prestigious events reflects the high standard of work being done by Junior Development Officer, Trevor Semmens, dedicated local junior representative coaches and the squads of talented junior players.

Experience shows that competing in the Division 1 and 2 Vic. Country Championships provides ideal preparation for the SA Country Junior Championships in March. The competitions involve the best Under 16 and 18 teams and coaches from all areas of Country Victoria.

All four Junior Lakers teams have enjoyed successes in the Murray Bridge, Millicent and Mount Gambier Junior Tournaments in recent months.