Two local basketballers matched it with the best young basketballers at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup earlier this month.
Bailey Wilson and Reece McGrath, who both play for Melton, played in the under-14 boys age group at the Cup, where the two Victorian teams claimed gold and fourth.
For both boys it was a different experience, having to play with a shot clock and longer matches, as well as playing a higher level of opposition.
Wilson was part of the under-14 Bushrangers team that was coached by Dylan Cole and assistant coach Darcy Thorton.
The Bushrangers won all five of their round games to be favourites heading into the finals.
That was justified, with the Bushrangers winning their qualifying final against New Zealand 100-59.
It was a much closer semi final, with the Bushrangers running away in the final quarter against the other Victorian team, the Goldminers.
The Bushrangers winning, 97-67.
The win set up a grand final match up with a tough South Australian team.
Like they did in the semi final, the Bushrangers were able to run over the top of their opposition, winning 81-67.
Wilson said was an amazing experience.
“I have gained more skills and knowledge that I can bring to my game,” he said.
“I have made some amazing basketball friends through this experience who have the same passion and desire as I to play basketball at a high level.
“Winning the championship was an amazing feeling and I feel privileged to represent Victoria at this level.”
McGrath was part of the Goldminers side that finished fourth.
The Goldminers started off the rounds dropping the first two games against South Australia and New South Wales but found their form winning the final three round games to cement their spot in the quarter finals against Tasmania.
The Goldminers won that game 69-60 to win through to the semi finals and a match up with their Victorian counterparts the Bushrangers.
The Bushrangers were too strong for the Goldminers, winning 97-67.
It meant another match up with Tasmania with two teams to play off for bronze.
The game was a thriller, with scores locked at the end of regular time meaning the bronze medal would be decided in over time.
Unfortunately for the Goldminers, they fell short losing 68-64.
McGrath said, “it has been an amazing experience and being coached at this level I have gained a greater insight into the game which has provided me the additional skills and knowledge to enhance my game further.
“I feel honoured to play for Victoria and have made some amazing friends during this whole experience.”
The two boys are currently playing at Melton Basketball Association and are part of Melton’s under-14 boys Victorian Junior Basketball League team.
Both started their basketball with Bacchus Marsh, with Wilson still playing domestically at the association.
