Braves teams plan to dominate on their home turf this weekend at the annual Bendigo Junior Classic.
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Last year at the Australia Day long weekend tournament, seven Bendigo Braves teams ended the tournament as champions, with another five reaching grand finals.
“We have an even squad this year and we’re hoping to perform well at our home tournament,” under-18 boys coach Justin Cass said.
“We’ve got a very capable team who will be able to get the job done on the weekend.”
Cass and the team put in extra training during the holiday season, fitting in several additional sessions to refine the squad’s on-court skills.
They will be without star player Dyson Daniels for the first two days due to his prior commitment to attend the 2019 Australian Development Camp at Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence.
Under-18 girls coach Nick Salm said the team had recently won gold medals at the 32nd Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and were in good form to continue the success.
“They’re riding high at the moment and are a very talented group who work well together on the court,” Salm said.
“The junior classic is always a challenge and all of the Braves love playing some of the most talented players from throughout the country.”
“Even at their young age they’re all very skilled and driven by a competitive nature.”
The tournament has attracted 264 teams and will contest a record 733 games at Bendigo Stadium and other venues across Bendigo, up from last year’s total of 680 games.
More than 140 referees will also take part, with the Paul Harrower Award to be presented to those officiating the respective top under-18 division grand finals.
The Bendigo Junior Classic will be held Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 throughout Bendigo.
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