The Deni Junior Giants travelled to Shepparton to compete in the annual Darryl Twitt Ford junior tournament.
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It was a successful event for the Giants, with four teams showcasing in grand final appearances.
The U16s boys and girls, and the U12 boys continued their good form from Swan Hill a fortnight ago to dominate at the tournament, while the U14s turned their Swan Hill results around.
The U16 and U18 teams will head to Wodonga on the weekend of November 30 and December 1 to participate in the Wangaratta tournament.
The U12 and U14s teams will have a break until the new year.
Match reports form Shepparton are as follows:
U16 boys:
The U16 boys excelled at the Shepparton tournament, finishing the round of games with an unblemished 5-0 record and advancing to the division three grand final.
Their impressive team play and notable individual achievements lead them to a perfect finish.
The boys kicked off the tournament with a resounding 60-18 win over the Echuca Pirates, marked by strong defence and effective ball movement.
Logan Elphick’s 21 points and Lincoln Meharry's defensive efforts were instrumental.
The team demonstrated its depth in game three versus Euroa with another convincing win, with all players contributing.
Stuart Benger, Ari Strongman, Archer Moodie, Max Burge and Logan each made three pointers.
The game against an unknown Yorta Yorta was a closer affair in the first half, before the Deni boys stepped it up.
Ari scored 18 points, including two clutch shots, and Ollie Murray excelled defensively, forcing turnovers.
The team showed exceptional skill in the game against the Shepp Gators, winning 36-33.
Effective point guard play by Archer and Ollie set the tone, complemented by Aansh Patel's impeccable offensive timing.
Against Rochy, the score was 37-34, with Deni’s consistency securing their grand final appearance.
The boys excelled in the grand final against Benalla, winning 45-30.
Strong defence and stand out performances defined the game.
Notably, Logan earned the grand final MVP and the Murray Construction tournament award for leadership and scoring an impressive 114 points across the tournament weekend.
U12 boys:
The team, proudly sponsored by Deni Aluminium Windows, achieved division two victory.
The successful campaign comprised five wins.
In the game against Shepp Gators, first half pressure yielded a 37-20 win, driven by Jett Boyer’s second half surge and Angus Priest's rebounds.
The 22-20 win over Myrtleford followed an intense start, with adjustments and lifted intensity securing the victory.
Game three versus Wodonga Wolves showcased Jett's scoring prowess, leading to a 66-34 triumph.
Game four against Seymour saw offensive dominance, with a 47-20 win sealed by strong rebounds and midcourt pressure from key players.
The Giants delivered an outstanding first half performance, with all players contributing to the scoreboard.
The team's dominance persisted in the second half, thanks to Jetta MacDonald and Lennix Leetham's defensive efforts, and they secured a 72-12 victory.
The grand final against Mrytleford was intense.
Callan Leiper spearheaded the early scoring, while tenacious defence gave the Giants a 23-8 half time lead.
Despite late fouls by the Giants, they maintained a 45-30 win with Jett Boyer being awarded grand final MVP.
The Provincial Wealth Tournament Award went to Callan Leiper. Throughout the six games, Cal demonstrated exceptional all round performance, prioritising teamwork and sportsmanship and the competition's leading point scorer.
U16 girls:
The U16 girls launched their campaign with an authoritative game one win over Myrtleford Saints.
Ava Braybon made her presence felt after coming back into the team after missing the Swan Hill tournament, dominating the first jump and rebounds.
The team unleashed 23 consecutive points, securing a 21-0 halftime lead and ultimately prevailing 37-9, thanks largely to Bella Hillier's 19-point performance.
Game two presented a formidable challenge against the unknown Warragul Warriors, with the Giants struggling to maintain the pace, resulting in a 36-12 loss.
The Giants bounced back strongly in game three versus Rochester Tigers, cementing a 41-18 victory ahead of the semi-final.
There were standout performances from Helen Fevaleaki and Amelie Bulmer, while Kelsey Clark excelled defensively.
Jorja Woolston's persistent defensive efforts sparked crucial turnover, keeping the Giants competitive.
With a half-time lead of 9-8, they found their momentum in the second half securing a 21-13 win, led by top scorers Lily Boyer and Ava Braybon.
The Giants faced the Warriors again in the grand final, anticipating a tough match-up but determined to improve.
Lucy Crossley excelled, demonstrating strength in drives and defensive play.
Despite a stronger second half performance and Nina Glowrey's drives to the ring, the warriors' expertise secured a 42-11 victory.
The Berrima Engineering Tournament Award honours went to Kelsey Clarke for her relentless court pressure and unwavering dedication.
U14 boys:
From a 0-4 Swan Hill tournament result to a grand final appearance at Shepparton, the U14 boys showed that hard work pays off.
The tournament commenced with a convincing 42-30 round one win over the Yarra- Mul Lakers.
The boys demonstrated confidence and strength under the ring supported by accurate shooting.
This victory underscored the value of diligent practice and mastery of training drills.
In round two, facing Myrtleford Saints, the team encountered a formidable opponent from the outset.
With missed opportunities, foul trouble and midcourt misjudgements hindering performance, the boys displayed resilience in a closely contested match, ultimately succumbing to a 7-point deficit.
The final match of the day pitted the Giants against Echuca Pirates.
Establishing a good half-time lead, the boys showcased cohesive execution of roles, aggressive offense and robust defence to cap off an exceptional day. Final score, 34-26.
They faced the Echuca Pirates again in the semi final, anticipating a challenging rematch.
However the boys excelled with quality basketball, securing a 35-21 victory and advancing to the grand final.
The final challenge against Yarra-Mul was closely contested.
Midcourt players demonstrated remarkable endurance, but crucial shots didn't fall, resulting in a narrow two-point loss.
The team's disappointment will fuel their determination to succeed in the future.
Their teamwork, progress and collective effort throughout the tournament are admirable.
Lachie Tritton’s outstanding performance earned him the division's top spot with 54 points, while Ryan Bulmer received the Menadue Flooring Tournament Award for his consistent effort, skill development and team spirit.
U18 boys:
The U18 boys had a tough first round match-up against eventual tournament winners Rochester Tigers.
Baxter Cowley delivered solid wing defence, challenging shots and restricting second-chance points. Despite his minor injury limiting his playing time, his defensive positioning and communication were invaluable in containing Rochy to 60 points.
The final score was 60-25.
Against Myrtleford, the boys secured a narrow 31-28 win.
Spencer Cowley excelled offensively, finishing as top scorer. He showcased creative scoring tactics and confidence at crucial moments.
Jai Park's defensive expertise, quick reflexes and high basketball IQ stifled Myrtleford’s offence.
Deni had a 10 point win against BDU, 43-34.
Henry Robinson facilitated scoring opportunities and showcased off-the-ball movement, while Dexter Hardman's defensive prowess disrupted BDU's offense with swift hand and anticipation.
The quarter final saw the Giants take on an undermanned Kerang.
Brody Wills initiated offence with effective ball distribution and decision making, while Josh Todd excelled at both ends of the floor, pressuring Kerang.
Final score, 40-14.
The team faced a tough 37-34 loss in the semi final to Griffith.
Notable performances included Chase Bartlett's stifling defence, with quick hands, strong outlet passes and thrilling buzzer-beater attempt narrowly missing.
Josh Todd's outstanding tournament performance earned him the Fitzpatrick Tournament Award, highlighting his impressive scoring, playmaking and defensive skills that drove the teams success.
U14 boys development team:
The team began the tournament with a strong showing against Rochy Tigers, marked by notable first half contributions from Degan Morgan, Langa Fevaleaki and Jordie White.
They secured their first win of the tournament season by eight points.
The team faced Benalla Breakers in the next game, delivering an impressive display of rebounding and defensive prowess, spearheaded by Will Crossley and Braxton Leetham and finishing with a 37-18 win.
The team overcame a sluggish start against the Tatura Titans in game three, driven by Lachlan Jefferey's exceptional ball handling.
Effective teamwork yielded another triumph, 26-17.
The final game against Shepp Gators was when the team’s perseverance shone, despite exhaustion.
Outmatched, they maintained determination until the end. Final score, 28-16.
The Riverina Watermatic Tournament award went to Gus Burge for his consistent effort and team encouragement
U12 boys development team:
Under new coach Tom Beames, the team started well against the Euroa Magpies.
Effective teamwork from Levi Robson and Jaxon Beames secured a convincing 46-11 win.
Facing the Benalla Breakers in game two, the Giants initially struggled but Tom's guidance sparked renewed determination.
Asher Parsons and Charlie Druitt drove the team's defensive efforts, though ultimately falling 24-19.
Against Echuca Pirates, a strategic timeout facilitated adjustments, showcasing improved ball movement to overcome an early deficit to secure a 19-13 win.
The Giants’ last game against a tall Griffith Demons was driven by standout performances by Chase Dunn and Chris Plant, securing a nail biting 20-19 triumph.
The Wired Entertainment Tournament Award went to Asher Parsons, recognising his significant contributions throughout the weekend
U12 girls:
The girls began their tournament with a nail-biting 19-18 game one loss to Benalla.
Despite player illness leaving only six players, Deni started strongly and maintained a one point advantage with less than a minute remaining.
They ultimately succumbed to a late score from Benalla.
In game two and still undermanned, Deni faced the Rochy Tigers and struggled to counter their opponents early dominance.
The second half saw further setbacks with injury reducing Deni to five players.
Maggie Burge made her season debut, bringing energy and scoring points. But it was not enough against a strong Rochy outfit.
The girls secured a decisive 16-2 win in game three over the Shepp Gators, thanks to a revitalised line-up.
The team displayed exceptional cohesion and defensive prowess.
In the final game of the tournament, the girls faced a well polished Korumburra team and were unable to match their skills and finesse, losing 39-4.
The Elders Tournament Award went to Stevie Williams.
U18 girls:
Although the U18 and U14 girls are still to secure a win from the tournament season, both teams are working hard and are not far off the pace.
The U18 girls’ games results included narrow losses to Griffith (34-19), Tatura (26-23) and BDU (39-32) and a last round loss to a strong, tall and well drilled Warragul Warriors.
Ruby Cowley's standout performance secured the Deni Clothing Co Tournament Award, highlighting her consistent impact and leadership.
U14 girls:
The U14 girls also had narrow losses over the weekend to Euroa (19-10), Yarra-Mu Laker (17-12), Rochy Tigers (27-13) and the Yorta Yorta Turtles (18-14).
Stella Chadderton received the Sun Valley Australia Tournament Award for her determination when attacking the ball.
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