The Footlocker 2024 Under 16 National Championships, wrapped up last weekend after a long week of highly competitive basketball. The best Under 16 athletes across Australia batted it out to be crowned the 2024 National Champions.
The Nationals took place in Bendigo at Red Energy Stadium, throughout the week it was clear that the four Victorian teams were strong and would be competitive come the weekend.
On the final day of competition, we saw the Victorian Metro Boys victorious with a convincing 93-53 win against New South Wales Metro to take home the gold medal. This win meant the Victorian Metro Boys delivered a perfect tournament, winning every game throughout the week!
The Metro Girls were missing a some of their starters due to injury and being called up for National duties. They were still a dominant side throughout the week and strong performances saw them meet Queensland South in the gold medal game. Queensland South showed their strength in this final match up, with the result being QLD South 83 - Vic Metro 62. After a solid week, the girls secured the silver medal for Victoria!
The Country Girls and Boys teams both competed for 5th in their final games of the tournament. The girls edged out New South Wales Metro with a 77-70 win, taking 5th place in the tournament. The boys fell just short in a thrilling overtime clash against Queensland South, losing by just 2 points (94-96), despite William Hamilton posting a massive 31 points, placing them 6th overall in the country.
To top off a successful week for the Victorian teams, the Metro Boys team were awarded the Trish Fallon Fair Play award.
Grant Wallace Basketball Victoria General Manager High Performance was proud of how all the athletes, coaches and fans supported one another over the tournament, “It was great to see the young athletes on the court competing, many for the first time on the national stage. All the athletes and their supporters represented Victoria well, and it’s exciting to see the depth of the future of Victorian basketball!”
As the home state sides, all Victorian teams were well attended, with loud and proud crowds in showing up for all their games!
Victorian Metro Boys athlete Charlie Wilson, has now tasted success two years in a row, “The week was a great experience and a lot of fun, especially since I have now been apart of two awesome teams and we have won back-to-back, together.”
The Footlocker Under 16 Nationals Championships will return to Bendigo again next year where the Victorian teams will continue to showcase their incredible talent against the best in the country.
To view all of the action from the Champs - click here to view the gallery.
