This year’s La Trobe University Invitational Basketball Tournament on the Border brought about an incredible story.
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There was no shortage of basketball talent across town over the weekend, with more than 150 teams fronting up for the event, but it was the efforts of a Wodonga junior that will be fondly remembered.
Wodonga’s under 12s team went onto to claim division one, inspired by one of their rising stars.
“The highlight of the weekend was under 12s Wodonga player Sienna Harvey receiving the grand final MVP only days after the sad passing of her father,” tournament director Nic Conway said.
“It was received with an enormous applause from the crowd in attendance.”
Wodonga won a further three division one titles, including the under 12s boys, under 14s girls and under 16s girls, while the Wolves’ under 18s girls went down in the grand final to Bendigo.
Albury had a win in division two with the under 14s girls, while their under 14s boys reached the decider.
“It was a huge tournament. It was really well received across the board and all the teams played in fantastic spirit,” Conway said.
“The grand finals were all well supported, it was a huge success.”
The highlight of the weekend was under 12s Wodonga player Sienna Harvey receiving the grand final MVP only days after the sad passing of her father. It was received with an enormous applause from the crowd in attendance.
- Nic Conway
Conway added the tournament was played to a high standard, with teams starting to hit their peak as the end of the Basketball Victoria representative season nears.
“The numbers are so big because they use this as a good lead-in to the state championships,” he said.
“Under 16s and 18s head to state championships next week, while 12s and 14s are in early April.”
The massive boost an event of this nature brings to the region also can’t be overlooked, with many visitors making the most of the Albury-Wodonga facilities.
“The tournament is watched by over 5000 people,” Conway said.
“There’s more than 150 teams with 10 players per team, plus mums, dads, brothers and sisters.”
Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre, Wodonga Middle Years College Huon Campus, Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, The Scots School Albury, Victory Primary, St Monica’s Primary School and Southern Rise Stadium at Wodonga South Primary School all hosted matches across the three days.