Basketball fever sweeps the region: Shepparton Gators youngster Liam Broom in action during the under-18 boys clash against Echuca Pirates at the weekend’s Greater Shepparton Junior Basketball tournament.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
The sound of buzzers and the roar of crowds blared out in sports stadiums across the Goulburn Valley at the weekend as the region hosted the annual Greater Shepparton Junior Basketball tournament.
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Players from across Victoria descended on the GV for the 2023 edition, with more than 200 teams and hundreds more competitors hitting the court.
Shepparton Gators had extensive representation in the tournament, fronting up squads in age groups from under-12 through to under-18.
The Gators’ up-and-coming young guns, who will one day front up for the city’s Big V outfit, took to the court in the under-18 championship division.
And despite not coming away with the overall prize, which Seymour Blasters ultimately claimed, there was still plenty to smile about for the fresh-faced teens.
Riley Onley finished in the top five point-scorers with 40 to his name, while Archer Hueston (six) and teammate Nic Watson (five) showed their prowess from beyond the arc to finish top five in three-points scored.
The weekend got off to a tough start for Dylan Wayman’s charges.
A 55-40 defeat to Wangaratta Warriors put them on the back foot, however, a thrilling 39-37 win over Wodonga Wolves got their weekend back on track.
Eyes ahead: Shepparton's Archer Hueston.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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On the charge: Shepparton's Aidan Whitelaw.
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Aydin Payne
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Focused: Echuca's Darby Jones.
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Aydin Payne
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At the foul line: Shepparton's Liam Broom.
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Aydin Payne
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Cross him over: Shepparton's Nic Watson.
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Aydin Payne
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All ahead of him: Shepparton's Cooper O'Neill.
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Aydin Payne
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Running the plays: Shepparton's Riley Onley.
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Aydin Payne
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Off and running: Shepparton's Archer Hueston.
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Aydin Payne
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Rising high: Shepparton's Liam Broom attempts to block Echuca's Darby Jones.
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Aydin Payne
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In the zone: Echuca's Curtis Foran.
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Aydin Payne
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On the fast break: Shepparton's Liam Tuohey.
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Aydin Payne
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Playmaker: Shepparton's Nic Watson.
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Aydin Payne
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Looking for a teammate: Echuca's Jett Milligan.
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Aydin Payne
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Grabbing boards: Shepparton's Liam Touhey.
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Aydin Payne
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Talk things out: Shepparton's under-18s boys coach Dylan Wayman.
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Aydin Payne
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Get around him: Echuca's Jai Hutson following a successful shot.
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Aydin Payne
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No look pass: Shepparton's Riley Onley.
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Aydin Payne
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Jump shot: Shepparton's Aidan Whitelaw.
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Aydin Payne
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Laying it up: Shepparton's Aidan Whitelaw.
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Aydin Payne
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Over the top: Shepparton's Cooper O'Neill.
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Aydin Payne
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Attacking the rim: Echuca's Darby Jones.
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Aydin Payne
Unfortunately back-to-back narrow losses, first to Mildura (51-49) and then Echuca (41-39), ruled out any chance of the under-18 outfit reaching the grand final.
News sports editor Aydin Payne attended the round four defeat to Echuca Pirates and captured plenty of action.
