28th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
The countdown is almost over.
Next weekend, 128 of Australia’s top junior basketball teams will converge on the State Basketball Centre for the 2026 National Junior Classic, one of the most anticipated events on the national basketball calendar.
Across three action-packed days, 384 games will be played as the best emerging talent from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia battle it out for bragging rights, championship success and the opportunity to test themselves against the very best.
With every game streamed live on Basketball Victoria TV and thousands of players, coaches, officials and supporters set to fill the venue, the stage is set for another unforgettable National Junior Classic.
Basketball Victoria’s National Junior Classic Coordinator, Emma Hayes said excitement was continuing to build as teams prepared to take the floor.
"The National Junior Classic is one of the most exciting weekends on the junior basketball calendar," Hayes said.
"For many of these athletes, it's the opportunity to test themselves against the best players and teams from across the country, while creating memories and experiences they'll never forget.
"What makes the Classic so special is the energy around the venue. From the first game on Saturday through to the final buzzer on Monday, there's a real buzz as clubs, families and supporters come together to celebrate junior basketball at its very best."
While every Victorian team will arrive eager to make their mark, several clubs head into the tournament with particularly exciting stories to follow.
Altona back on the Classic stage:
For the Altona Gators U12 Girls, qualifying for the National Junior Classic is the reward for a season built on hard work, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Led by coaches Ian and Nathan, the group has continued a proud tradition within the Altona girls’ program, earning the opportunity to compete against the best young players in the country.
There is also a strong historical connection for the club, with coach Ian having guided Altona’s first girls’ team to National Junior Classic success back in 2006.
Known for their grit, tenacity and team-first approach, the U12 Girls will arrive in Melbourne excited to embrace the challenge, test themselves against the nation’s best and create lasting memories together.
Mildura chasing another piece of history:
The Mildura Heat U12 Girls have already created one of the great Victorian junior basketball stories of 2026 — and now they're preparing for an exciting new challenge at the National Junior Classic.
The team became the first Heat side in 12 years to win a Victorian Junior Country Championship, capping off a remarkable season that included five tournament titles and an outstanding 37-3 record.
Under coach Calvin Henry, the group has built its success on teamwork, resilience and a relentless commitment to improvement, with players continuing to grow in confidence throughout the season.
Their success has also shone a spotlight on the continued growth of Mildura's girl’s pathway program, with the association fielding three U12 Girls representative teams this year.
Now, after years away from the National Junior Classic stage, the Heat have earned the opportunity to represent their community on one of the biggest weekends in Australian junior basketball.
Having already achieved so much this season, they'll arrive in Melbourne looking to continue their remarkable journey and show what country Victoria basketball is capable of on the national stage.
Can Mildura add another chapter to an already unforgettable season? The National Junior Classic will provide the perfect opportunity to find out.
Diamond Valley ready to make an impact:
The Diamond Valley Eagles will arrive at the National Junior Classic with four teams and plenty of reasons for optimism.
The U12 Boys have developed into one of the competition’s most exciting young teams, combining strong chemistry with a team-first approach that has helped them compete with the best throughout the season.
The U16 Boys have shown impressive resilience and maturity, overcoming challenges throughout the year while continuing to perform at a high level.
The U16 Girls enter the tournament as an exciting group featuring strong depth and emerging young talent, including standout bottom-age athlete Emerson Florance.
Meanwhile, the U18 Girls shape as genuine contenders on the national stage. Led by Victorian Country U18 Head Coach Madie Lee, the group brings an impressive blend of talent, depth and representative experience into the tournament.
Across all age groups, Diamond Valley’s strong representation reflects the quality of its program and the continued development of talented athletes capable of competing at the highest junior level.
Full list of Victorian Metro & Country Teams:
With tip-off now just around the corner, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be another outstanding National Junior Classic.
From regional success stories and returning contenders to future stars looking to make their mark, the tournament will once again showcase the very best of junior basketball.
Can't make it to the State Basketball Centre? Every game of the National Junior Classic will be streamed live via Basketball Victoria TV, with replays and highlights available throughout the weekend. Visit www.basketballvictoriatv.com.au to catch all the action.
-Ends-
For all Media Enquiries
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
