The Deniliquin Giants’ top-age basketball teams performed well at the Swan Hill tournament at the weekend, with the Under 18 Girls, Under 16 Boys and Under 16 Girls all earning a spot in their respective grand finals.
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The Under 12 Boys impressed with a semi-final finish.
The Under 18 Girls enjoyed a strong start to their campaign, recording three tightly contested wins over Border Academy, Mansfield and Yarra-Mul by margins of seven, four and 12 points respectively.
In Round 3, they faced the hometown Swan Hill Flyers, who proved too strong on their home court. Despite that setback, the Giants’ earlier victories secured them a grand final rematch against the Flyers.
Swan Hill’s relentless full-court press caused some early turnovers, but the Giants refused to back down, giving maximum effort until the final buzzer.
While the Flyers ultimately claimed the win, the Giants can hold their heads high after an impressive showing in their first tournament together.
Ava Marshall was recognised with the Elders Insurance Tournament Award for her outstanding debut performance, demonstrating great promise and potential for the season ahead.
The Under 16 Boys were in fine form throughout the weekend, dominating all four of their round games to secure a grand final berth.
Round wins over Border Academy, Bellan Breakers, Mansfield and Border Academy again set up a thrilling decider against Mildura Heat. The Giants worked hard to stay within striking distance, but Mildura held firm to secure the 36–26 victory.
Max Burge received the Murray Construction Tournament Award for his excellent sportsmanship, teamwork and consistent performance across the weekend.
The Under 16 Girls had a challenging start, going down to Mansfield in their opening match despite leading at half-time. Mansfield found their rhythm in the second half to take the game 39–28.
The Giants regrouped, claiming three hard-fought victories over Benalla, Mildura Heat and Yarra-Mul to earn a grand final rematch against Mansfield. The final was a thrilling contest, with the lead changing multiple times before Mansfield took the title 36–26.
Meg Meharry was awarded the Deni Clothing Co. Tournament Award for her outstanding defensive work and continued improvement throughout the weekend.
The Under 12 Boys also impressed, reaching the semi-final stage after a series of commanding performances.
The Giants notched up four dominant round wins over Mildura Heat, Yarra-Mul Lakers, Mansfield Eagles, and in a second clash with Mildura Heat.
Their semi-final clash against Benalla Breakers proved to be a test of composure. The players settled, but Benalla claimed a 26–17 win.
It was an outstanding result for the young group in their first tournament together, showcasing plenty of promise for the season ahead.
Lennix Leetham was a standout across the tournament weekend, displaying remarkable consistency, effort and determination. His performances earned him the Wired Entertainment Tournament Award, a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and growing talent.
The Under 18 Boys were unable to secure a win across the weekend but worked hard in every game, remaining within reach until the final stages before their opponents pulled away, largely through accurate three-point shooting.
Henry Robinson received the Fitzpatrick Family Tournament Award for his commitment and strong on-court effort.
The Under 14 teams faced tough competition across all divisions. The Under 14 Boys Black stepped up to Division 1 for the first time, showing great promise under first-time coaches Harry Way and Logan Leiper.
The boys displayed glimpses of outstanding defensive and offensive play but struggled to maintain intensity for the full 40 minutes, going down narrowly in their matches against Benalla (27–15), Yarra-Mul (29–15), Swan Hill (37–24), and Mildura (36–26).
Jordie White received the Satore Plastering Tournament Award for his shooting efficiency and excellent adherence to instructions.
The Under 14 Boys Orange side had a tough start against a strong Mildura Heat outfit, going down 68–20, but bounced back with a solid 34–21 win over Benalla Breakers thanks to teamwork and a positive attitude.
The boys finished the tournament with two further losses, but took away plenty of positives from their performances.
Jett Boyer was awarded the Deni Tyre Service Tournament Award for his fierce competitiveness and determined play through the midcourt and defence. Under 14 Girls Black team secured one win from four in the tournament rounds and although the scoreboard results didn't go their way, the success of bringing the team together stood out in their attitude all weekend. The girls stayed positive, happy and determined every game they played and didn’t leave anything in the tank.
The Essential Solar & Electrical tournament award went to Maddison Danckert, who excelled in her first tournament with Giants. She brought energy, confidence, and a tough presence on the court, creating great plays for the team.
An under-manned Under 14 Girls Orange team, fielding only six players, were unable to register a win but showed remarkable spirit and improvement throughout the weekend. With most players new to representative basketball, the girls continued to play with smiles and determination in every match.
Darci-Lee Thomas received the Deni Everett Family Tournament Award for her effort and positive attitude.
The Under 12 Girls had a challenging first day of the tournament, coming up against strong and well-drilled Swan Hill and Yarra-Mul teams. Under the guidance of coach Nat Tremble, the girls regrouped and bounced back on day two with impressive wins over Mansfield and Mildura.
Leah White received the Premier Financial Planners Tournament Award for her sportsmanship and outstanding effort.
The Under 12 Boys Orange had a tough introduction to representative basketball with many new players taking the court. Although unable to record a win, the improvement from Round 1 to Round 4 was outstanding.
Lenny Maher received the Berrima Engineering Tournament Award for his consistent effort and excellent teamwork.
The Giants will now return to training to refine their skills and build on their Swan Hill performances ahead of the Wangaratta yournament on November 15–16.