Local basketballers bring home multiple tournament titles
Local basketball teams enjoyed plenty of success at the 41st annual Korumburra Junior Basketball Tournament over the weekend, with five titles claimed by teams from Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Leongatha.
Local basketball teams enjoyed plenty of success at the 41st annual Korumburra Junior Basketball Tournament over the weekend, with five titles claimed by teams from Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Leongatha.
A total of 166 teams took part in the two-day event on October 17 and 18, with matches spread across six stadiums in Korumburra, Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Poowong and Warragul.
Korumburra Basketball Association president John Murdica said the tournament attracted teams from across Gippsland and as far away as Wallan.
"We were very happy with the turnout," Mr Murdica said.
And the hosts had plenty to celebrate on the court.
Korumburra's Under 19 Girls claimed the A Grade title with a convincing 38 to 22 victory over the Traralgon T-Birds, led by Amily Smith's game-high 14 points and Willow Butinar's 7.
The Wildcats also secured the Under 10 Girls B Grade premiership, defeating fellow South Gippsland side Meeniyan Wolves 12 to 3. Matea Besley led the scoring with 5 points, while Kenzie Maskell added four of her own.
Wonthaggi Coasters enjoyed a successful weekend, collecting two titles of their own.
A match between Wonthaggi and Mirboo North in the U19 Boys saw Wonthaggi come away with the win.
Their Under 18 Boys completed an undefeated campaign with a 31 to 25 victory over Warragul Warriors in the Under 19 Boys B Grade grand final.
Hayden Fenwick top-scored with 10 points, while Tige Dowie contributed nine.
Hayden Bell was recognised as grand final MVP.
The Coasters' Under 14 Boys Navy side also tasted success in B Grade, defeating Meeniyan Wolves 33 to 26, with Spencer Gilliland leading the way with 11 points.
And in another all-local grand final, Leongatha Lightning defeated Phillip Island Rips 43 to 34 to claim the Under 16 Boys B Grade title.
Liam Thomas scored a game-high 12 points for Leongatha, while Oliver Bolge added 10. Phillip Island's Taj Piera finished with 11.
The Rips also reached the Under 10 Boys B Grade decider, narrowly losing 16–14 to Foster Breakers.
Beyond the results, Mr Murdica said the tournament was an important annual fundraiser for the association.
This match between Korumburra and Wonthaggi in the U16 Girls A Division saw Wonthaggi come away with a 7-point win. The same Wonthaggi team would fall to Maffra 20-16 in a Grand Final nailbiter.
"We believe that it has spin-off benefits to the local communities," he said, pointing to the visitors spending money in the towns hosting matches.
And running a tournament of this size takes plenty of hands.
Mr Murdica thanked tournament director Mark Hutchison, the association's committee, sponsors and volunteers who helped staff venues, operate canteens and keep the weekend running smoothly.
The association also acknowledged the support of local basketball associations and venues that accommodated the large number of games.
With an estimated couple of thousand players, coaches and family members involved, the tournament again brought a sizeable crowd to the region.
Mr Murdica said feedback from participating teams had been positive, with the association already looking towards next year's event.
He also said it was great to give local kids the chance to play a higher standard of basketball and compete with the best teams in the region.
