The 2023 Spalding Waratah Under 20s Tournament came to a close over the weekend at Niagara Park Stadium, after two rounds of intense competition.
In its second year of the tournament, 12 teams competed for the champions spot, but after a close match-up the Blacktown Storm defeated the Sutherland Sharks 84-66 to claim victory. Both teams were undefeated in their pools, and fought through hot temperatures and strong opponents to make the final two.
Basketball NSW would like to thank the following teams for their participation over the two weekends; Ballina Breakers, Valley Braves, Blacktown Storm, Central Coast Waves, Hawkesbury Jets, Hills Hornets, Hornsby Ku Ring Gai Spiders, Inner West Bulls, Maitland Mustangs, Port Macquarie Dolphins, Sutherland Sharks and Wagga Wagga Heat.
Senior Manager for Competitions & Leagues, Chanelle Bailey added that she was pleased to see such an intense couple of rounds of basketball to start the year.
“We would like to thank all our association delegates for the continued support, assisting in driving this unique competition tol help bridge the gap between the Junior and Senior competitions,” said Bailey.
“This past two weeks of competition has given new opportunities for teams to give players aged out of juniors to still compete at a high level and build a stronger pathway for senior competition. I can’t wait to see how the 2023 Spalding Waratah League season unravels.”
Not only does the tournament provide the space for athletes to participate but also a learning development opportunity for our referees. 22 officials also took the opportunity to develop their skills over both weekends and receive feedback towards being appointed to officiate in the Spalding Waratah Senior League for the 2023 season.
Well done to Jeremy Karam, Cooper Skelly, Daniel Robinson, Calum Fraser, Rudy De Vos, Louis Brockwell, Richard Watson, Jess Lomnicki, Caitlyn Bloomfield, Luke Spradbrow, Tiffany Hill-Donovan, Michael Elms, Sean Mackie, Erik Ralph, Dave Prakash, Nick Newman, Kaitlyn Neate, Molly Mans, Craig Goodman, Emily James, Broughton Hamilton, and Terrin Illingworth.
Don’t forget the 2023 Spalding Waratah League begins on the 18th of March, FIXTURE.
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