A long weekend filled with basketball has come to an end at the Bendigo Stadium.
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Seven Bendigo Braves teams made it to grand finals, with four ending the Australia Day long weekend tournament as champions.
A highlight of the 2019 Bendigo Junior Classic was the Braves Under-18 Championship Girls team winning their division’s grand final over the Warrnambool Mermaids 81-46.
The team’s coach Bart Barnes said the squad secured an early lead which was maintained throughout the game.
“The girls all work really well together on the court and we progressively got better during each game of the tournament,” Barnes.
“Great effort and they always come ready to play night in, night out.”
The Under-18 Championship Boys team also made it to their division’s grand final but were defeated by the Ballarat Miners 54-68.
The team’s coach Justin Cass said a lack of defence was a contributor to the grand final loss.
“We let ourselves down with our defence. We weren’t quite up to the task on today's game, whereas in other games we were a lot stronger,” Cass said.
“As the weekend went on we gradually got better up until the last game, it’s really tough when you’re up against a quality opposition.
“We learned a lot this weekend and improved as we went along, it’s just a shame we couldn't get over the last hurdle.”
The Under-21 Boys Division 1 team went through the tournament undefeated after claiming victory over Corio Bay 1 49-29
The Under-18 Boys Division 1 team also found glory with their grand final win over the Swan Hill Flyers 46-42.
Bendigo Stadium general manager of sport Ben Harvey said it was a successful weekend for the Bendigo Braves.
“We are all pleased with the top results and the succcess of the tournament,” Harvey said.
“It was a big three days which took a whole team effort from everyone at the Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Basketball Association.”
Braves Grand Final Results
- Under-21 Boys Division 1: Bendigo Braves d Corio Bay 1 49-29.
- Under-18 Championship Girls: Bendigo Braves d Warrnambool Mermaids 81-46.
- Under-18 Championship Boys: Bendigo Braves d by Ballarat Miners 54-68
- Under-18 Boys Division 1: Bendigo Braves d Swan Hill Flyers 46-42
- Under-18 Boys Division 2: Bendigo Braves d Ararat Redbacks 44-35
- Under-16 Boys Division 1: Bendigo Braves d by Geelong Supercats 25-28
- Under-14 Championship Girls: Bendigo Braves d by Geelong Supercats 59-58
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