Ararat Basketball Association's under-16 representative team claimed top honours at the Ballarat Basketball Tournament at the weekend.
The team played off against Sunbury Jets in the grand final, coming away convincing winners 61-25.
The win topped off a successful tournament for the inspiring basketballers, winning all their games across the three day tournament.
Coach Megan Shea said the team played smart basketball in every game.
"Their defence was exceptional and their share of the ball going forward meant everyone hit the scoreboard," she said.
"Every player could have been awarded an award for their weekend.
"Flynn Toner was awarded the most valuable player for the grand final.
"A special thanks goes to Xavier McLoughlin for stepping in to help make a team for the tournament."
In other age groups, the under-14 team finished second in their draw and missed out on the grand final after what was described as "a tough and controversial game" on Sunday.
"We are proud of how our boys handled themselves and they should be proud of their season," coach Amanda Sladdin said.
"The team won every game leading up until Sunday night's elimination final against Broadmeadows."
Under-18 coach Donna Spalding said the older age group of players played four "fiercely competitive matches"
"Both winning and losing margins were restricted to between just 4-8 points," she said.
"Our final tournament for the squad season didn't produce a fairy tale ending though personally we ended on a high note.
"The under-18 boys played seven tournaments, plus Country Championships.
"We were runners-up on 5 occasions, made quarter finals at the Championships and were unable to make the finals at Ballarat.
Spalding said the team played their best in their final game of the season.
"It was a must win game, however Geelong were too strong in the final minutes of the game winning by 4 points," she said.
"For the team we say 'goodbye' to Adian Hateley who is now too old for junior basketball.
"Adian captained the team and was consistently rebounded strongly under the basket. As captain he lead the team well over the week-end.
Spalding praised the efforts of Will Lawrie and Kobe Davies at both ends of the court.
"They have developed into talented basketballers," she said.
"My small guys, who are growing quickly, Logan McKinnis, Alex Van Opstal and Luke Briggs were creative in offensive and worked hard in defense.
"They were great support to the big guys, running the fast break and attacking the basket strongly.
"Jezza Woods was our standout player for the tournament. He used his basketball smarts to lead the team as captain. He was impressive both ends of the court."
Ararat Basketball President Casanda Woods said all the players should be proud of how they represented the region at the tournament.
"All of the teams gave 100 per cent each game and proudly represented Ararat at the Ballarat tournament," she said.
"All of the teams gave 100 per cent each game and proudly represented Ararat at the Ballarat tournament," she said.
"Attendance at these tournaments would not be possible unless we had the support from everyone who puts in and shows unwavering dedication to our squad program. I would like to thank you all for your support.
"We have already started preparing for 2019-20 season with try-out sessions starting shortly as well as CBL and we are looking forward to building on an already positive year for the Ararat Redbacks and the basketball association as a whole."
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