Both of the Albury-Wodonga Bandits' youth league side's have qualified for finals in their first year in the Basketball NSW Waratah league.
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The youth league men are set to take on the Newcastle Hunters in a quarter final on Saturday, while the youth league women will meet the Central Coast Crusaders in their quarter final clash.
Both Bandits' teams finished the regular season in third spot and will have the home court advantage this weekend with both games being played at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
Bandits youth league committee representative Matt Whitfield said the side's have exceeded expectations in their inaugural season.
"In the first year of the players being in this competition it's been amazing to be able to make the finals," Whitfield said.
"We couldn't have asked for better ambassadors for our youth league program and the young men and women in the youth league teams should be very proud of their achievements.
"These young locals may not be aware of the impact they're having on the basketball club for years to come.
"It's been really good to see the kids perform."
The initiative which combines the Albury and Wodonga Basketball Associations with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits is hoped to provide the youngsters the opportunity to filter into the Border's senior basketball sides as their talents progress.
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"Locally it's been identified as a real opportunity to create a pathway for our kids in the Albury and Wodonga area," Whitfield said.
"Not only are the kids thriving in the competition, but it also provides them a pathway to play with the Bandits' senior teams.
"It's giving them the opportunity to perform at an elite level and hopefully we can continue to carry it on to make it sustainable.
"We're looking forward to getting some home support in finals for the local kids and hopefully get a couple of wins for the weekend."
Bandits' young guns Harry Gibbs and Tahli Smith will head into their respective finals clashes with added confidence after taking out the Bandits' youth league's most valuable player awards this season.
Gibbs was also on the Bandits' senior men's roster this season in their first season in the NBL1 competition.
The Newcastle Hunters finished off the regular season fourth in their pool, while the Central Coast Crusaders finished off in seventh spot.
The Bandits' youth league women's side will get the quarter finals underway on Saturday with their game kicking off at 3pm at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, with the youth men's team to follow at 5pm.
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