The second Youth Qualification Series is in the books - and what a success it was! Held at two brand-new venues, Narrandjeri Stadium and Altona Sports Centre, the day was filled with high-energy battles as teams fought tooth and nail for a shot at the top division. Some clubs celebrated well-earned promotions, while others used the experience to build team culture and gear up for the challenges ahead. Let’s break down the action across each series.

VYCM vs. YL1M

2025 Line-Ups

VYCM: Geelong United, Hume City, Keysborough, Knox

YL1M: Ballarat, Blackburn, McKinnon, Ringwood

The showdown began with Keysborough and Hume City dueling for a return to VYC, echoing last year’s matchup - this time, Keysborough secured their spot once again. In another clash, the 2024 YL1M runners-up, Geelong United, dismantled Knox with Bailey Bruce leading the charge to VYC. Meanwhile, both Ballarat and McKinnon stumbled in their elimination games, with Ballarat missing out on VYC for the 2025 season. In the second-chance matchups, Knox managed to control Ringwood, highlighted by star performer Ryder Cheesman who put up an impressive 43 points over two games. The day’s fairy-tale finish came courtesy of Hume City; after a hard-fought battle, they clinched their second victory over Blackburn to earn a VYC spot for the first time—thanks in no small part to Zach McKenzie’s stellar average of 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Movement from 2024 to 2025:

2024 VYCM	2024 YL1M
↓ Ballarat	- Blackburn
- Keysborough	↑ Geelong United
- Knox	↑ Hume City
↓ Ringwood	- McKinnon

VYCW vs. YL1W

2025 Line-Ups

VYCW: Diamond Valley, McKinnon, Nunawading, Pakenham

YL1W: Albury/Wodonga, Eltham, Geelong United, Knox

Diamond Valley started the day with purpose, overcoming McKinnon to secure their place in VYC for 2025. Aliesha Cadee’s 15 points, combined with Tayha Watkins’ 18-point effort (despite a low free-throw percentage), set the tone. In another highlight, Pakenham stormed out of the blocks against Nunawading in the first quarter. Though Nunawading regrouped and eventually turned the tables, the rollercoaster battle provided plenty of thrills. Meanwhile, a developing Eltham outfit battled hard against Geelong United in an elimination game but fell just short.

One of the day’s best stories came from Albury/Wodonga. Once a YL2W team in 2023, they had narrowly missed a grand final appearance in 2024 after impressive wins against Warrandyte and Bellarine. Yet when facing powerhouse Knox for a shot at VYC, fate had other plans. Knox then faced Pakenham, but ultimately, it was Pakenham who emerged victorious, earning their maiden VYC promotion. The series closed with an intense showdown as McKinnon outlasted Geelong United in a grueling battle.

Movement from 2024 to 2025:

2024 VYCW	2024 YL1W
- Diamond Valley	- Albury/Wodonga
↓ Eltham	- Geelong United
↓ Knox	↑ McKinnon
- Nunawading	↑ Pakenham

YL1M vs. YL2M

2025 Line-Ups

YL1M: Camberwell, Pakenham, Sunbury, Westgate

YL2M: Altona, Collingwood, Sherbrooke, Whittlesea

After a flawless 22-0 regular season, Pakenham faced a shock as Westgate stole the YL2M Championship from under their noses. Entering the Youth Qualification Series at Altona with one goal in mind, Braden Venning and his team left the Dragons gasping to secure their jump to YL1 for 2025. Not to be outdone, Westgate—after their first Big V season—narrowly edged Collingwood by 2 points for their own promotion. In the YL1M clash, both Altona and Sherbrooke struggled against the determined pairings of Sunbury and Whittlesea. Whittlesea’s hopes were dashed as Camberwell reasserted their hold on YL1, while Sunbury’s clutch victory over Collingwood paved their way forward.

Movement from 2024 to 2025:

2024 YL1M	2024 YL2M
↓ Altona	↑ Pakenham
- Camberwell	↑ Sunbury
↓ Collingwood	↑ Westgate
↓ Sherbrooke	- Whittlesea

YL1W vs. YL2W

2025 Line-Ups

YL1W: Hume City, Western Port, Whittlesea, Wyndham

YL2W: Bellarine, Craigieburn, Sherbrooke, Sunbury

Hume City set the tone early in 2025 by cruising past Bellarine. With ambitions of reclaiming their status as VYC contenders, they showed they’re not to be underestimated. Although Western Port had come agonizingly close in the previous YL2W Grand Final, a blowout win over Wyndham now propels them into YL1 -bolstered by Eryn Rosowski’s standout performance (a 22/14 double-double). A re-energized Whittlesea squad displayed their resolve by defeating both Sunbury and Bellarine to keep their YL1W spot. Meanwhile, Craigieburn fought to stay in YL1 after dispatching Sherbrooke, but in the decisive clash against Wyndham, the Eagles were edged out by a superior performance from their opponents.

Movement from 2024 to 2025:

2024 YL1W	2024 YL2W
↓ Craigieburn	- Bellarine
- Hume City	- Sherbrooke
- Whittlesea	- Sunbury
- Wyndham	↑ Western Port

Looking Ahead

Big developments are on the horizon in Victorian Basketball this weekend. The Junior Country Championships (JCCs) kicks off in Bendigo, and Rounds 2 and 3 of the U20s VC season promise more thrilling action. For in-depth insights on the JCCs, the brand-new U20s format, and the Youth Qualification Day at Narrandjeri Stadium and Altona Sports Centre, tune in to the Leagues HQ Podcast as they unpack every detail.

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