The Deni Junior Giants will take the courts in Shepperton this weekend, in their second tournament of the basketball season.
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One team to watch in particular will be the under-16s girls, who were the best of division two in the Swan Hill tournament hosted a fortnight ago.
Their opening match against Yarra-Mul was tightly contested, with scores level at half-time.
After Yarra-Mul gained momentum, the Giants' leadership and determination - spearheaded by top age players Bella Hillier and Kelsey Clark - enabled them to regain ground.
Key plays from new Giants player Helen Fevaleaki and Hillier secured a 24-20 win.
The team faced varied outcomes in subsequent matches, including a loss to Echuca Pirates and convincing victories over Mildura Heat and Warracknabeal, securing a semifinal spot.
The semi final match-up against Warracknabeal was defined by its intensity, as Warracknabeal started strongly.
The Giants mounted a comeback in the second half, resulting in tied scores at full-time and necessitating overtime.
After two periods of overtime, the Giants secured a thrilling 30-28 victory, advancing to the grand final.
In that grand final, the Giants sought redemption against the Echuca Pirates after a round two defeat.
Following a challenging first half, in which they trailed 8-2 at half-time, the Giants found their rhythm in the second.
Lily Boyer spearheaded the attack, with Nina Glowery and Lucy Crossley disrupting Echuca's passing game.
Amelie Bulmer and Fevaleaki made crucial defensive plays, while Hiller's unstoppable performance helped the Giants outscore Echuca 23-8 in the second half.
It secured a 25-16 victory.
Boyer earned grand final MVP honours, and Hiller received the Berrima Engineering Award for Determination.
Some of the youngest Giants also shone at Swan Hill, with the under-12 boys playing division one and making it to the grand final.
They exhibited exceptional skill and determination, securing a runner-up finish in the tournament against the home side.
On the Saturday morning of the tournament, the boys clashed with a well-organised Swan Hill team, demonstrating resilience with a strong comeback in the first half before struggling with foul trouble.
Callan Leiper's consistent performance was a highlight.
The team's subsequent match against Echuca saw elevated defensive pressure in the second half from Nate Fitzpatrick, Angus Priest, and Jett Boyer, yielding a 40-28 victory.
Against Mildura Heat, the Giants recovered from a slow start with great offense from Jed Fitmaurice and Boyer, complemented by Jake Woolston's speed and agility, securing a 30-26 win.
The rematch against Swan Hill was fiercely competitive in round four, with outstanding defence from Jetta MacDonald, Lennix Leetham and Nate, while Jed provided offensive support with precise free throws.
The side met Swan Hill for a third time in the grand final, and although the tasks proved daunting, the team's collective effort was commendable.
Jed earned the Provincial Wealth Tournament award for his unrelenting offensive pressure and impressive free throw shooting, successfully making 24 from 26 attempts
Eight of nine under-12 boys development team players participated in their first representative tournament at Swan Hill.
The side yielded two wins out of five games over the weekend.
Jaxon Beames claimed the Wired Entertainment Tournament Award with 23 points, showcasing impressive rebounding and scoring abilities.
The under-12 girls team achieved two victories from four games, falling just six points short of a grand final berth.
Coach Craig Bulmer commended the team's unity, encouraging the players to be proud of their accomplishments.
Aysha Bartlett was recognised for her weekend performances receiving the Elders Tournament Award.
The under-16 boys team achieved exceptional results, coming away runners-up in division two in their inaugural Swan Hill tournament.
Demonstrating remarkable skill and teamwork throughout, they secured victories in their first four games defeating Swan Hill Flyers 39-15 and 36-23, Benalla Breakers 51-25, and Echuca Pirates 41-17.
Notable performances included Ollie Murray's improved ball control moving into offence calming and controlling the pace, Stu Benger's timely intercepts, Lincoln Meharry's strong rebounding, Max Burge's defensive leadership, Ari Strongman's tireless efforts, Logan Elphick’s quick thinking in attack contributing vital points, Aansh Patel’s accurate mid range shots and Fred Everett’s consistent effort.
In the grand final, despite a 28-64 loss to Mildura Heat, Strongman and Elphick showed consistent energy, and Meharry maintained impressive rebounding.
The team's success was built on each player's unique strengths.
Meharry's impressive debut earned him the Murray Construction Tournament Award, recognising his significant impact on the game through rebounding skills and strong attacking presence.
The under-18 boys commenced with a closely contested 30-26 loss to Benalla, characterised by a unified team effort reflected in the balanced scoring.
Their subsequent match against Echuca resulted in a 38-28 defeat, with notable offensive displays from Josh Todd, and Baxter and Spencer Cowley.
The team then secured a narrow 18-15 victory over Warracknabeal, marked by intensity that led to the opposing coach's ejection and exceptional leadership from Jai Park and Chase Bartlett.
The tournament concluded with a win against Kerang, driven by Spencer's outstanding performance and supported by Bartlett and Dexter's defensive efforts.
Henry Robinson provided steady support throughout.
Spencer received the Fitzpatrick Family Player of the Tournament award for his consistent impact and pivotal role in the team's success.
The under-18 girls' team showcased exceptional grit and determination at Swan Hill, playing division one and competing in four fiercely contested games.
While a win proved elusive, the team accumulated valuable experience and demonstrated growth throughout.
Bae Willis' consistent commitment earned her the Deni Clothing Co Tournament Award.
Throughout the tournament, the girls displayed resilience, teamwork, and growth, impressing coach Wally Bulmer.
Although there were no wins for any of the three Giants under-14 teams over the weekend, they all represented the club well.
The under-14 girls contested four games, displaying significant development in their skills and collaborative play.
Considering half the team was playing their first representative season, it is an encouraging indicator for future tournament success
Maddi Woolston was honoured with the Sun Valley Australian Tournament Award for her relentless effort and commitment, her exceptional game awareness for a new player was outstanding.
The under-14 boys acknowledged the daunting task ahead in division one.
Undaunted, they displayed remarkable enthusiasm and attitude against each team they faced.
Coach Brendan Willoughby urged teamwork and focus, which the boys embodied.
This tournament tested the boys in every way, but their resilience and perseverance shone through.
Future tournaments will witness their growth in skills and confidence.
Mikey Benger earned the Menadue Flooring Tournament Award for his unwavering commitment, exemplary sportsmanship, and teamwork.
The under-14 boys development team faced a challenging tournament as a new team, but earned valuable insights for team improvement.
The team's highlight was a strong performance against the Swan Hill Flyers after a strategic team emphasising rebounds and man-on-man defence, narrowly losing 29-25.
Jimmy O'Connor received the Riverina Watermatic Tournament Award for his exceptional teamwork, consistent effort, and impressive passing and rebounding throughout the weekend.
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