The overall outstanding performances of the Junior Lakers basketball teams in the 2017 SA Country Junior Championships have earnt Mount Gambier its third consecutive John Spooner Award, which goes to the Association recording most minor round wins in the Division 1 competitions of the SA Country Junior Championships. This prestigious Award is named to recognise the significant contribution over many years of John Spooner to SA Country Basketball.

The results and achievements of the 15 Junior Lakers teams which competed in the two weekends of the 2017 Country Championships and previous years, were outstanding and reflect the fantastic work being done by Mount Gambier’s dedicated and committed volunteer coaches. Former Junior Development Officer, Trevor Semmens, played a part in these achievements with his work on the fundamentals of the game with local Development groups over several years.

The Junior Lakers Under 12 and 16 teams followed up the successes of the eight Under 14 and 18, teams, who came home with four Championships, two in Division 1, Under 18 Women and Under 14 Boys, and two in Division 3, Under 14 Girls and under 18 Men.        

Seven Junior Lakers teams competed in the 2017 SA Country Junior Basketball Under 12 and 16 Championships over the last weekend in March. Five of the seven teams played off in Grand Finals and two, Under 12 Boys and Under 16 Boys second teams, returned home with Championship medallions.

The Lakers Under 16 Boys second team finished Champions after a heart stopping and somewhat controversial final against Port Augusta. The lead changed many times in the closing minutes and two clutch baskets from the foul line by Alex Jarnevic were telling factors in the win. Leading scorers in the title game were Oscar Adams and Lewis Stratford. Coach Daniel Stratford praised the players for their commitment over the season and their efforts during the Championships.

The win by the Lakers second Under 12 Boys team provided a fairy tale ending to the Championships for players, coach and parents. During the season Coach Jason Baron worked tirelessly on improving the skills of the players and their knowledge of the game. The team lost to Roxby Downs by 4 in the minor round but then reversed the result, 26-24 in the rematch in the emotion charged grand final. Riley Parsons and James Tonon led the scoring in the final. Coach Baron commended the players on their commitment to learn and improve over the season and thanked the parents for their support in this new and exciting experience.

Three teams finished runner-up in their respective divisions. The Under 16 Girls Division 1 team, coached by Bryan Green, found their demanding program a challenge. In the words of Coach Green, “the players were spent before the title game started”. The Lakers were undefeated going into the grand final after several tough, close contests. Riverland, a regional team comprising players from five Associations, had a little more depth in offence compared to the Lakers in the final. Nevertheless the Lakers worked hard right up to the final score-line of 48-50. Manon Finch led the scoring for the Lakers with an impressive 17 points.

The Lakers Under 16 Division 1 Boys produced their best basketball for the season in the Championships and were undefeated going into the grand final. The players showed improved tenacity and grit, led by Will Wright. Their opponent in the final was Mildura, clearly the standout team of the Championship weekend. Sam Dukalskis played possibly his best game of the season in the final and led the Lakers in their sustained efforts against class opposition. On their journey the Lakers accounted for arch rival, Naracoorte in the semi-final.

The Lakers Under 16 Girls second team, under the guidance of Emily Stafford, lost just one game to Naracoorte by 3 points in the minor rounds  They met Naracoorte again in the grand final but a slow, hesitant start enabled Naracoorte to set up a match winning 14-0 lead. From here on it was a case of the Lakers playing “catch up” basketball. Mikaela Horrigan, Jade Ritter and Nikeisha Facey were consistent contributors over the Championships.

The Lakers Under 12 teams found the Division 1 competitions tough assignments. The Under 12 Boys, coached by Michael Stephens, showed marked improvement over the weekend. They defeated Riverland in the pool game but the lost to Millicent, 29-40 in the quarter final. Harry Wright worked hard as team leader and was supported by tenacious Harry Hosking and team-mates in their efforts.

The Lakers Under 12 Girls, coached by Dan Collins, faced tough assignments in all games and made steady improvement against taller and stronger opposition. Their best performance was a two point loss to Naracoorte. The players displayed a quiet determination in their efforts and responded well to the continual encouragement from Coach Collins.

The Junior Lakers season concludes on Sunday April 9^th at the Stadium with a Junior Lakers “Wrap Up”