Basketball’s rapid growth in the Greater Shepparton area continues to soar to new heights as the region’s next generation of stars shine on the national stage.
The most recent platform the region’s young stars used to showcase their skills was the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup in Albury last week, with Jensen Dowling, Cooper O’Neill and Jesse Brock playing key roles in Victoria’s success.
The competition had teams from NSW, Tasmania, South Australia and New Zealand make the trip to the border town to battle it out for national glory.
Dowling was the only Goulburn Valley player to come away with a gold medal, with his under-18 Victorian Bushrangers side claiming the crown courtesy of a dramatic 11-point second-half comeback in the grand final against NSW Waratahs.
Brock, who hails from Seymour, played in the under-18 Victorian Goldminers team that finished fifth.
However, he was recognised for his efforts throughout the tournament by being selected as an emergency in the Victorian Country men’s under-18 state team as a bottom age player.
O’Neill played in the Victorian Bushrangers’ under-16 squad that claimed a bronze medal after defeating NSW Waratahs 69-42 in the third-place playoff.
It was not just on the court where the region had strong representation.
Two Greater Shepparton Basketball Association referees made the trip to Albury and shone, with Courtney Carroll being given the honour of overseeing the under-18 boys’ grand final and Jess Carroll the under-16 boys.
Mary Ann Barton and Rhiannon Frost were team managers for Victorian teams.
GSBA administrator Tony Long said it was fantastic to see so many district products shine at such a prestigious tournament.
“It is fantastic to have that representation and show that our organisation can lead athletes and administrators to higher honours,” Long said.
“From a playing point of view it is great to have kids the quality of Jensen and Cooper coming through, they gain such wonderful experience from playing at these events and for us to be part of their journey it is pleasing.
“The pathway extends all throughout the region with North East Bushrangers and things, and I think basketball in the area is in a really strong place.”
The action continues for GSBA’s young basketballers this weekend, as a strong contingent of Junior Gators make the trip west for the annual Bendigo Junior Classic basketball tournament.
Set to send 19 teams ranging from under-12 to under-18 for the three-day tournament (which starts on Thursday), this presents as another opportunity for the stars of tomorrow to showcase their talents.
A tournament which has been a great precursor to the Country Championships, which begin in two weeks, Long said he was confident the Shepparton teams could perform strongly.
“It’s great to have so many teams heading across to Bendigo this weekend for what is always a really hard-fought tournament with lots of good teams from across the state,” he said.
“It will be very interesting to see how we perform over the weekend and important for our players as they gear up for the Country Championships in early February.
“When it comes to Bendigo our goal is always to do as well as we possibly can, we want to win, but the most important part is seeing improvement in all of our young players.”