Bendigo Braves head coach Ben Harvey has assisted the team in its preparation for the state finals.

“Basketball is so popular in Bendigo, it’s great to see schools developing young players and strengthening the local competition,’’ Harvey said.

“This is a really strong team which competed in the Sandhurst division basketball tournament and won the right to represent Sandhurst division in the Loddon Mallee regional tournament.

“They won the Loddon Mallee final against Rochester and we have high hopes for them tomorrow in the state final.

“I’ve been working with various Girton Grammar basketball teams since 2014… and there are some great players coming up through the ranks.

“Many of the older Girton students coach the younger sides and I have really enjoyed supporting them in their coaching roles.”