The Bairnsdale and District Amateur Basketball Association has successfully revived its junior basketball tournament after more than two decades, drawing hundreds of families to the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreational Centre over the weekend.
More than 250 junior athletes from across Gippsland took part in the two-day event, with representative teams from Sale, Orbost and Bairnsdale competing across the under 10 to 14 age groups in both girls and boys divisions.
The stadium was lively from start to finish, with spectators filling the stands for what became a weekend of close contests and impressive sportsmanship.
A total of 60 games were played, with Bairnsdale teams reaching every grand final, highlighting the strength of the Association’s junior program.
Premiership winning teams included Sale (under 10 girls), Bairnsdale (under 10 boys), Bairnsdale (under 12 “A” girls), Sale (under 12 “B” girls), Sale 1 (under 12 “A” boys), Bairnsdale 2 (under 12 “B” boys), Bairnsdale 1 (under 14 “A” girls), Bairnsdale 2 (under 14 “B” girls), Bairnsdale 2 (under 14 “A” girls) and Sale 2 (under 14 “B” boys).
Tournament coordinator Stephen Savige and association administrator Jodie Crane led the effort to bring the event back to the region, a task described as both challenging and rewarding.
With strong community interest and a successful return now behind them, the association has confirmed plans to expand the tournament in 2026 to include all junior divisions from under 10 through to under 18.
