The Ararat Redbacks had a successful end to their basketball season with four of the seven teams competing reaching the grand final of the Ballarat junior tournament at the weekend.
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Three teams won their grand final with the under-14 boys, the under-16 girls and under-16 boys teams all claiming the win in their section.
The under-16 boys team went through the tournament undefeated and comfortably won their grand final against Westgate 67-38.
Matthew Spalding was named the team’s best over the tournament.
The under-16 Girls also went through undefeated to finish off their season in the best possible way.
The team faced Castlemaine Cannons in the grand final and finished 42-28 winners.
Racquel Scott was named the team’s most valuable player.
Coach Paul McLoughlan said the win was a great feeling.
“The team has improved significantly in recent tournaments with their focus on teamwork and sharing the ball paying off,” he said.
The under-14 boys team completed the trifecta, also going through the tournament undefeated. The Redbacks defeated Bellarine 70-24 in the grand final to finish the tournament champions.
Tom Cousins was awarded the most valuable player for the tournament.
Coach Megan Shea said it was a well deserved honour.
“Cousins was outstanding and was one of the top scorers for the tournament and continually drove to the basket and bought other players into the game,” she said.
The under-18 boys qualified for the grand final after going through the preliminary rounds undefeated but fell short in the final match.
The under-14 girls showed lots of positive signs across the weekend but were unable to get the points, going winless through the tournament.
Their team defence was a highlight and will have a bright future if they can be more damaging in offence.
The under-12 girls put in a brave performance but were unable to get a win, while the under-12 boys team won three out of its four games.
The team missed out on progressing through to the semi-finals by percentage. New season starts in October.