Author: Kym West
The National Junior Classic (NJC) returns in 2025 with an elite lineup of interstate teams bringing energy, talent, and passion to the court. With a strong reputation for developing future stars, the NJC is where top clubs from across the country battle for national glory. This year’s competition welcomes standout teams from South Australia, New South Wales, and beyond, including the West Adelaide Bearcats, Bankstown Bruins, Sutherland Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, and Norths Bears.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the interstate talent!
West Adelaide Bearcats (SA)
The Bearcats are making waves in 2025, proudly sending five Division One teams to the Classic: U12 Boys, U12 Girls, U14 Girls, U16 Boys, and U18 Boys.
- U12 Boys: A talented squad, featuring a strong cohort. After narrowly missing out last year, they’re ready to compete with the best.
- U12 Girls: Led by seasoned coach Dion Grieger, this team emerged undefeated from their State Champs pool.
- U14 Girls: Featuring three SA School Sport reps and headed to Club Nationals in Perth, this team is bursting with potential.
- U16 Boys: Coached by NBL1 Men's Head Coach Dean Nyberg, they return stronger after last year’s Classic.
- U18 Boys: Hot shooting and high IQ play define this squad. Several athletes are already in the NBL1 Development League.
Morgan Treloar (Junior Development Officer) from the Bearcats can’t wait to see how their teams measure up against the best, “Junior development is at the core of our club. The NJC showcases the success of that commitment”.
Bankstown Bruins
- U14 Girls: Equal first in their league and built on chemistry and hustle. With a mix of long-standing connections and fresh talent, they’re ready to shine.
- U18 Boys: A team defined by elite defence and fierce competitiveness. At 7-1 mid-season in their NSW based competition, they’re proving their place to be amongst the contenders.
Sutherland Sharks
- U12 Boys: Undefeated at 18-0, the Sharks’ teamwork, resilience, and all-in attitude have carried them through every challenge. Champions of the Coastal Classic and a force to be reckoned with.
Newcastle Falcons
- U12 Girls: Undefeated and full of excitement. For many of these girls, the NJC is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - a chance to dream big.
- U14 Girls: Determined and united, they’ve earned their NJC spot through resilience and growth.
- U16 Boys: Their journey to the NJC is a story of grit and community support. Known for their lockdown defence and unselfish play, this team is a prime example of grassroots success.
- U18 Girls: 7-1 in the NSW Junior Premier League (JPL) season and loaded with NSW Country reps, the Falcons are ready to bring their trademark grit and hustle.
Norths Bears
- U14 Boys: Overcame early adversity to now lead the ladder. Their aggressive, fast-paced game will be exciting to watch.
- U16 Boys: Unbeaten, unselfish, and relentless. They’re ready to show they belong among Australia’s best.
- U16 Girls: With Australian Sapphire, Sasha Clague leading the way, they’re focused on tightening up late-game execution.
- U18 Boys: A tight-knit, experienced squad executing a strong game plan.
- U18 Girls: The combination of injury struggles, and an extremely competitive U18 Girls JPL division, sees the team in a position they only see growth from, with a huge focus on showing up game in, game out, and keep on getting better as a unit with the return of key players in the coming weeks. They can’t wait for the Classic.
Why the National Junior Classic Matters
The Classic has always been more than just a tournament - it's a stage of recognition for players, coaches, technical officials and associations! For players, it’s an opportunity for local kids to challenge themselves against the best in Australia. For associations, it’s recognition of the hard work invested in development and the chance to be seen on a national stage. For families, friends and general basketball lovers, it’s a chance to witness the next generation of stars!
With teams travelling from across the country and stories of perseverance, passion, and progress, the 2025 National Junior Classic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
Check out the interstate teams ready for battle!
|
Under 12 Boys |
Under 14 Boys |
Under 16 Boys |
Under 18 Boys |
|
Hills |
Eastern Mavericks |
Forestville |
Bankstown |
|
Hornsby |
Manly |
Hills |
Forestville |
|
North Adelaide |
North Adelaide |
Newcastle |
Manly |
|
Norwood |
Norths Bears |
North Adelaide |
Norths Bears |
|
Sturt |
South Adelaide |
Norths Bears |
South Adelaide |
|
Sutherland |
Sturt |
South Adelaide |
Sturt |
|
Sydney |
Sydney |
Sydney |
Sydney |
|
West Adelaide |
|
West Adelaide |
West Adelaide |
|
Under 12 Girls |
Under 14 Girls |
Under 16 Girls |
Under 18 Girls |
|
Central Districts |
Bankstown |
Central Districts |
Eastern Mavericks |
|
Forestville |
Forestville |
Forestville |
Forestville |
|
Hills |
Illawarra |
Illawarra |
Manly |
|
Manly |
Manly |
Manly |
Newcastle |
|
Newcastle |
Newcastle |
Norths Bears |
North Adelaide |
|
Sturt |
Norwood |
Norwood |
Norths Bears |
|
Sydney |
South Adelaide |
Penrith |
Norwood |
|
West Adelaide |
West Adelaide |
South Adelaide |
Sydney |
