Basketball NSW has concluded a highly successful week at the 2026 U20 & Ivor Burge Foot Locker National Championships in Ballarat, with all four NSW teams returning home with medals across the U20 and Ivor Burge competitions.
The National Championships, held from 27 January – 1 February in Ballarat, Victoria, showcased the nation’s top emerging talent and elite representative programs, with NSW finishing the tournament with four medals:
- Ivor Burge Women – Gold Medal
- Under 20 Men – Gold Medal
- Ivor Burge Men – Bronze Medal
- Under 20 Women – Bronze Medal
Basketball NSW’s General Manager of Performance Pathways, Brett Coxsedge, said the results were a strong reflection of the depth and culture within the NSW program.
“To come away from Ballarat with four medals across four programs is an outstanding achievement, but what stood out most was the connection across the entire NSW group,” said Coxsedge.
“Each team supported one another throughout the week, celebrated each other’s wins, and represented the state with real pride. It speaks volumes about the culture we’re continuing to build within our Performance pathway.”
IVOR BURGE WOMEN – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
The NSW Ivor Burge Women delivered a championship-winning campaign, finishing the week as Gold Medalists and National Champions.
After progressing strongly through the tournament, the team produced a composed performance in the Grand Final to secure the national title and cap off a remarkable week in Ballarat.
Head Coach Cheryl Wills praised the group’s consistency and connection throughout the Championships.
“Gold was the icing on the cake, but our purpose was always bigger – embracing the work, the joy and the responsibility of representing NSW,” said Wills.
“When this team trusts each other, lives in the moment and wears that blue with pride, we are truly better when we’re dancing.”
The team’s outstanding tournament was further recognised with Brittany Anderson named the Ivor Burge Women’s Most Valuable Player.
UNDER 20 MEN – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
The NSW Under 20 Men produced an outstanding Championships campaign, culminating in a Gold Medal and National Championship title.
The team carried momentum through the tournament and secured the Gold Medal against Western Australia in the Grand Final to finish as National Champions.
Head Coach Lachlan Clark reflected on the group’s performance and what it means for the team to come away with first place.
“The Gold Medal match was special, but it wasn’t just about the medal. It was about the brotherhood we built,” said Clark.
“Our team chose each other in every way. In the hard training sessions, in the tough challenges and in the unselfish plays. We didn’t win because of one person, we won because we played for each other. Western Australia pushed us to our limit. In what looked like defeat when we were 18 down, we lifted our heads.
The medal was the result, but the bond was the real win. We did it together. As Head Coach I couldn’t be prouder of the boys, thankful to be coaching alongside Liam, Todd and Andris, and supported by our physio, families, friends and BNSW.”
Tournament honours were also awarded to Bailey Hanson, who was recognised as the Under 20 Men’s Bob Staunton Most Valuable Player.
IVOR BURGE MEN – BRONZE MEDAL
The NSW Ivor Burge Men showed resilience throughout the tournament, responding strongly after a challenging semi-final result to close out their campaign with the Bronze Medal.
The Bronze Medal win over Tasmania ensured the team finished the Championships on the podium in which it was their first medal in 12 years.
UNDER 20 WOMEN – BRONZE MEDAL
The NSW Under 20 Women displayed competitiveness throughout the tournament, recording key wins during pool play and progressing into the finals stage.
After falling short in the semi-final, the group responded strongly in the Bronze Medal match, defeating Victoria to secure third place and finish the week with a medal.
NSW TECHNICAL OFFICIALS REPRESENT ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
Basketball NSW was also proud to have technical officials representing the state throughout the Championships.
NSW appointments across key medal matches included:
- Kaitlyn Neate – Crew Chief, Under 20 Women’s Gold Medal Match
- Jakson Peach – Crew Chief, Under 20 Women’s Bronze Medal Match
- Yashar Elliin – Under 20 Women’s Bronze Medal Match
- Maddy Prowse – Ivor Burge Men’s Gold Medal Match
A special mention also goes to Joey Henderson, who contributed throughout the U20 tournament week.
Basketball NSW also acknowledges the scoretable and statistics team involved in medal medal games.
- Tracy Childs – Timer
- Aria Adriano – Statistician (Inputter)
- Lynne Ackroyd – Shot Clock
Basketball NSW congratulates every athlete, coach, referee, and support staff member involved in the 2026 Championships campaign.
To come away with medals across all four programs, including two National Championship titles, is a significant achievement and a testament to the strength of the NSW Performance Pathway.
Basketball NSW also extends a sincere thank you to the parents, families, and supporters who travelled to Ballarat or followed along from home, providing outstanding encouragement throughout the week.
A special acknowledgement goes to Momentum Physiotherapy, whose care and expertise ensured NSW athletes were supported and prepared across the demands of the tournament.
Basketball NSW also thanks Basketball Australia, the event staff, officials, and the many volunteers who contributed to the successful delivery of the Foot Locker National Championships.
The Championships remain a key event on the Australian basketball calendar, and NSW is proud of the way all teams represented the state in Ballarat.
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