21st May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
The countdown is officially on for the 2026 National Junior Classic, with 128 teams and 384 games set to take over the State Basketball Centre from June 6–8.
Bringing together the best junior basketball teams from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, the National Junior Classic remains one of the premier events on the Australian junior basketball calendar, with teams required to qualify or earn invitation to compete.
Every game across the long weekend will also be streamed live on Basketball Victoria TV, giving fans the chance to follow the action from anywhere as some of the country’s top emerging talent hits the floor.
For the first time, all four age groups of the National Junior Classic will be played under one roof; at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South. In another first, all 384 games will be live streamed, with the stream, replay and highlights available at www.basketballvictoriatv.com.au.
This initiative will allow family and friends from anywhere in the world to share the experience of Basketball Victoria's National Junior Classic.
Basketball Victoria’s National Junior Classic Coordinator, Emma Hayes said the tournament continues to showcase the very best of junior basketball from across Australia.
“Every year the National Junior Classic brings together some of the strongest junior programs in the country, and 2026 is shaping up to be another incredibly high-level tournament,” Hayes said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for athletes, coaches and officials to test themselves amongst the best teams and individuals from across the country. It will also give the wider basketball community the chance to see the future of the game on display right here in Victoria.”
Ahead of next week’s Victorian team announcements, here’s a look at the interstate clubs ready to make their mark in Melbourne.
New South Wales Teams:
| 12 Boys | 12 Girls | 14 Boys | 14 Girls | 16 Boys | 16 Girls | 18 Boys | 18 Girls |
| Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai | Hills | Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai | Manly Warringah | Manly Warringah | Manly Warringah | Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai | Illawarra |
| Sutherland | Sydney | Northern Suburbs | Northern Suburbs | Newcastle | Northern Suburbs | Manly Warringah | Manly Warringah |
| Sydney | Sutherland | Sutherland | Penrith | Northern Suburbs | Penrith | Northern Suburbs | Northern Suburbs |
| Sydney | Sydney | Penrith | Sydney | Sydney |
South Australian Teams
| 12 Boys | 12 Girls | 14 Boys | 14 Girls | 16 Boys | 16 Girls | 18 Boys | 18 Girls |
| West Adelaide | West Adelaide | South Adelaide | West Adelaide | South Adelaide | Eastern Mavericks | Forestville | Norwood |
| South Adelaide | South Adelaide | Sturt | Eastern Mavericks | West Adelaide | Sturt | Norwood | Forestville |
| Sturt | Norwood | Norwood | Sturt | North Adelaide | Forestville | West Adelaide | Woodville |
| North Adelaide | North Adelaide | Central Districts | Norwood | Norwood | West Adelaide | Southern Tigers | West Adelaide |
NEW SOUTH WALES
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders
- U12 Boys – A hard-working group known for strong defence, relentless effort and impressive team depth.
- U14 Boys – A talented and balanced roster eager to test themselves against top-level competition.
- U18 Boys – An athletic and resilient group enjoying a milestone season following the club’s first-ever Junior Premier League appearance.
Penrith Basketball
- U16 Boys – A tough and unselfish group that has found strong form in the Junior Premier League competition.
- U14 Girls – Currently equal first in the BNSW Premier League, this team plays hard every possession and continues to impress.
- U16 Girls – A gritty and connected group built on defensive pressure and team-first basketball.
Sutherland Sharks
- U12 Boys – A team that plays hard, shares the ball and never gives up.
- U12 Girls – A close-knit group built on teamwork, energy and unselfish basketball.
- U14 Boys – A resilient underdog squad with a never-say-die attitude and a history of winning big elimination games.
Hills Hornets
- U12 Girls – A gritty and team-first group known for their defence and unselfish style of play.
Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
- U14 Boys – A confident and improving group continuing to build chemistry each week.
- U14 Girls – Led by NBL1 star Peggy Shell, this team embraces a strong growth mindset and team-first attitude.
- U16 Boys – A committed and energetic group that has been a standout for the club this season.
- U16 Girls – A hard-working team continuing to improve every week through strong training habits and positivity.
- U18 Girls – A confident group excited for the challenge ahead after a strong season together.
- U18 Boys – A talented and competitive squad built around defence and team basketball.
Manly Warringah
- U14 Girls – A proud and connected group focused on representing their team with pride.
- U16 Girls – Currently undefeated at 9-0 and excited to challenge interstate competition.
- U16 Boys – Eager for the opportunity to test themselves against the best teams in the country.
- U18 Girls – A group excited to enjoy one final National Junior Classic experience together.
- U18 Boys – A resilient squad determined to make the most of their Classic opportunity despite injury setbacks throughout the season.
Sydney
- U12 Boys – A developing group with several first-year representative players earning their place at the Classic.
- U12 Girls – A skilled and defensive-minded team committed to a team-first culture.
- U14 Boys – A competitive squad blending returning players with newcomers eager to prove themselves.
- U14 Girls – A fast-paced and exciting group featuring multiple returning Classic players.
- U18 Boys – A talented side determined to compete at full strength as players return from injury.
- U18 Girls – A tough and connected unit built around teamwork and strong recent performances.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
West Adelaide
- U12 Boys – A highly skilled group sitting top of the table and hungry to bounce back from a heartbreaking State Championship loss.
- U12 Girls – Fresh off a State Championship victory, this disciplined group continues to impress under respected coach Dion Grieger.
- U14 Girls – An experienced and confident squad aiming to push into the top eight this year.
- U16 Girls – A resilient group returning to the Classic for the first time since 2023 after a breakthrough State Championship campaign.
- U16 Boys – A confident and disciplined side featuring six NBL1 Pathway athletes and strong recent form.
- U18 Girls – A talented squad that has worked hard to rediscover cohesion and return to the Classic stage.
- U18 Boys – A determined group eager to respond after an earlier-than-expected State Championship exit.
Sturt Sabres
- U12 Boys – A tough and resilient group that qualified through grit and determination.
- U14 Girls – A confident squad carrying momentum from a strong qualifying performance.
- U14 Boys – A talented title contender featuring several state-level athletes.
- U16 Girls – A skilled and competitive team led by strong state-level talent.
Eastern Mavericks
- U14 Girls – A hard-working group featuring nine players with South Australian representative experience.
- U16 Girls – An undefeated squad boasting multiple state-level athletes and strong recent form.
Woodville Warriors
- U18 Girls – A balanced and competitive group rewarded for their hard work, growth and commitment throughout the season.
Central District Lions
- U14 Boys – A passionate and high-pressure group featuring several SA Metro and Country representative players.
With interstate teams now confirmed and Victorian clubs to be announced next week, the stage is set for another huge National Junior Classic weekend in Melbourne.
From future stars to rising grassroots programs, the event continues to showcase the depth, talent and passion driving junior basketball across Australia.
-Ends-
For all Media Enquiries
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
