The Norths Bears claimed three state titles at the Basketball New South Wales State Junior Championships played at North Sydney and Sutherland over the weekend.

In a highly successful weekend for the club, the Norths Under 14 Girls, Under 16 Girls and Under 18 Girls all claimed State Championships, while the Bears Under 12 and 14 Boys reached the semi-finals in their respective divisions.

For the Under 14 Girls, the journey to the state title was a tough one, having to survive a tight semi-final against long-time rival Penrith before engaging in a high quality and hotly contested decider against a talented Newcastle Hunters outfit.

The Bears produced a stellar defensive effort to down Penrith 35-32 in the final and then rallied from a half-time deficit in the final to gain control in the fourth quarter and claim the state pennant with a 44-32 victory.

The win provides the young Bears with the elusive Metropolitan and State championships and is the ideal platform as they set their attention to the Australian Under 14 Club Championships to be held in Ballarat in October.

Capping off a highly successful year, talented young guard Shyla Heal was adjudged most valuable player of the final after an outstanding performance in the decider.

The Norths Under 16 Girls showed real heart in the final against the talented Gosford City Rebels outfit, winning 49-47 in a thriller to add the State Championship banner to their 2013 Metropolitan Junior League title.

In what was perhaps the game of the weekend, the Bears traded baskets with the Rebels for the full 40 minutes and the game was not decided until a last second shot by Gosford rimmed out to provide Norths with a heart-stopping win.

Livewire guard Zara Olsen was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the final for her tireless performance, but it was the depth and balance of the Bears outfit that allowed them get over a well-drilled and competitive opponent.

The Under 18 final saw reigning NSW Country Champions Illawarra face the home team Norths Bears and it looked as if an upset was on the cards when the Hawks jumped out to a commanding 13 point lead in the first quarter.

The Bears struggled to contain the inside presence of the Hawks front-line and despite mounting a spirited comeback, were still down five at the long break.

But some defensive adjustments and a sustained running game saw the home team gain control in the third quarter and then skip away late in the fourth to complete a remarkable turnaround and seal the Metro/State Championship double with a 67-57 win.

Guard Lizzy Tonks was spectacular in the second half, finishing with a game high 28 points and claiming the Most Valuable Player award for the final.

In a very promising sign for the future, eight of the nine Norths players are “bottom-aged” players.