Ararat Redbacks' junior representative teams dominated the Maryborough Junior Basketball Tournament at the weekend.
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Both under-16 and under-14 boys teams won the overall division for their age group.
Players went up against teams from Horsham, Geelong and Maryborough.
Under-16 coach Megan Shea said it was a tremendous effort from her team to come away winners, especially with a very limited bench.
"The team played with only six of it’s nine members due to injury and other basketball commitments," she said.
The team won its first game against Celtic Tigers 79-13.
"This was a huge percentage booster for the squad and a positive way to start the tournament," Shea said.
In a close tussle, the Redbacks lost to Maryborough 32-27.
"Scores were locked for most of the game - with Maryborough getting over the line in the last minute," she said.
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"The purpose of entering the tournament was to practise set plays, and in this game, the boys had to keep changing plays to try and get their nose in front."
Redbacks defeated Strathfieldsaye Raptors 39-37 in game three.
The team came up against Celtic Tigers again in the semi final. After a convincing 46-23 win, they progressed into the grand final.
Up against Strathfieldsaye Raptors, the Redbacks triumphed 51-38.
The umpires awarded Henry Shea the grand final MVP for his clean defense and creative assists to teammates.
"Flynn Toner was another standout as he took vital and strong rebounds, as well as converted more under the ring," Shea said.
"Bodhi Stevens and Logan Cooper worked hard all weekend to refine offensive plays and they also played close checking defence."
The under-14s campaign throughout the tournament delivered close results.
Redbacks got off to a promising start with convincing wins over Ballarat Celtics and Geelong YMCA before finding themselves locked in a tight battle against Horsham Hornets in game three.
Coach Mark Dadswell said the Redbacks found themselves in foul trouble early - struggling to contain Horsham’s talls and quicker ball movement.
"We were able to adapt in the second half and after several lead changes came away with a hard fought four-point victory," he said.
"Although we were tired, we made it four from four in the last game of the day after defeating a physical Colac by seven points."
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The Redbacks played out a thriller contest against Maryborough with the hometown team taking control early.
"We fought our way back into the game through strong defensive pressure, capitalising on forced turnovers," Dadswell said.
"With 40 seconds remaining scores were tied - it was a tense finish to the game."
Maryborough made the most of Ararat’s foul trouble and through quality shooting, were able to hold on for a four-point win.
Redbacks went down in the next game against Strathfieldsaye by five points.
The Redbacks finished third overall and went up against Horsham in the semi final.
"After another tense battle going the distance we won our way into the grand final against Maryborough with another four point victory," he said.
"Through strong rebounding, defensive pressure and smart ball movement up the court we were able to score quickly and effectively to take the early lead and finished the game with a 13 point win in the grand final.
"The players should be proud of the teamwork and efforts displayed on the weekend.
"The players impressed by fighting out each game in such close contests "
Despite finishing on top of their round robin games, the Redbacks' under-18 team wasn't able to carry on the success of the younger counterparts.
Undefeated until the grand final, coach Donna Spalding said the team had an enjoyable weekend and captain Jezza Woods had a standout tournament.
U18 Boys - Results
Ararat 62 defeated Beavers 30
Ararat 37 defeated Maryborough 32
Ararat 73 defeated Celtic Tigers 25
Ararat 54 defeated Kyneton 33
Semi final - Ararat 50 defeated Beavers 32
Grand final - Ararat 43 lost to Maryborough 49
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