The under-14 and under-12 Deniliquin Junior Giants teams travelled for the highly anticipated Wangaratta Tournament held from March 8-9, the final competition of the 2024/25 season.

With a focus on showcasing their growth, skill development, and determination, the teams delivered strong performances, highlighting the progress they’ve made over the course of the season.

The hard work and dedication of all teams were evident throughout the tournament, with players displaying impressive individual performances and strong team spirit.

Looking ahead, the Giants will wrap up the season with their presentation night to be held on Friday, March 28.

Results from the Wangaratta tournament are as follows:

Under-14 boys:

The under-14 boys sponsored by Bulmer Design & Build had a mix of results, starting with a 51-37 loss to the Wodonga Wolves.

Despite the defeat, Lachie Tritton’s defensive efforts stood out, particularly against the Wolves’ big man.

The team quickly bounced back, dominating the Benalla Breakers 75-22.

Highlights included Angus Knuckey providing support all around the court and Lucas Braybon scoring 24 points.

They followed up with a comfortable 46-25 win over Yarra-Mul Lakers, showing great teamwork and shooting.

In the quarter-finals, they faced the undefeated Shepparton Gators, but despite a 33-point loss, the team showed resilience, with Mikey Benger and Ryan Bulmer leading fast breaks and Charlie Murray and Cormick Hardman ruthless in defence causing a strong Gators team to fumble.

Angus Knuckey earned the Menadue Player of the Tournament award for his consistent contributions on both offence and defence.

Under-14 girls:

The under-14 girls, sponsored by Intersport Deniliquin began their tournament with a tough 35-11 loss to the Echuca Pirates and a 41-16 defeat to Myrtleford despite strong defence from Maddi Woolston and Bailee Dunn.

However, the girls bounced back with a 27-16 win over Mansfield, where Meg Meharry contributed 12 points and Indi Conallin excelled across the court and Rori Dean provided pressure in defence creating turnovers.

Their next game against the Wodonga Wolves was a close 22-18 loss, but they managed to advance to the quarter-finals.

In a thrilling match against the undefeated Wangaratta Warriors, Stella Chadderton moved the ball well while Izzy Didcock scored a sensational goal in the final seconds to give the girls a 14-12 victory.

Despite a strong effort, the girls fell 23-19 in the semi-finals to the Echuca Pirates.

Harlem Morgan was named Player of the Tournament for her all-around performance, while Kilarni MacDonald earned the True Fruit award for her consistency.

Under-14 boys development:

The under-14 boys development team, proudly sponsored by O’Connor Ag, had a competitive tournament.

In their opening match against Mansfield, they kept the score close until half-time, with Jordie White and Degan Morgan combining for 22 points.

Despite their solid defence and strong effort, they were defeated 50-32.

The next match saw them face the Shepp Gators, who dominated with their height and experience, defeating the Giants 102-25.

In their third match against the Echuca Pirates, the team led early but struggled in the final quarter, losing 50-44.

The Giants fought hard in their quarter-final against Yarra-Mul Lakers but fell short, 43-37.

Angus Burge earned the Riverina Watermatic Tournament Award for his dedication and consistent improvement throughout the season.

Under-12 boys development:

The under-12 boys development team showed impressive teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament.

In their first match, they were outplayed by the Benalla Breakers, losing 50-30, though Asher Parsons’ and Jack Priest’s defensive work, and Levi Robson and Jaxon Beames’ offensive contributions stood out.

The team bounced back in their second game, defeating Albury 29-19, with Mason Elphick hitting a crucial 2-pointer.

They then lost 28-18 to the Wodonga Wolves, before facing the Mansfield Eagles in their final match.

Despite being undermanned due to injuries and fouls, the boys kept fighting, ultimately losing 70-15.

Chris Plant received the Wired Tournament Award for his leadership and positive attitude throughout the competition.

Under-12 girls:

The under-12 girls team, proudly sponsored by Sunrice, showed significant growth over the tournament.

They started with a narrow 26-22 loss to the Lakers, which was a grand final repeat from the last tournament.

The game was tight with the Giants even holding the lead during the game, however Yarra-Mul were too strong in the final minutes.

The second match resulted in a loss 36-17 to Wodonga, but the girls showed excellent teamwork throughout.

They had a slow start in their third game against Echuca, but responded with their best quarter of the tournament, losing 30-19.

The final match saw them dominate Albury 25-12, ending the tournament on a high note.

Stella Butcher was awarded the Elders Tournament Award for her consistent performance.

Under-12 boys:

The under-12 boys team, sponsored by Deni Windows, had a solid showing, finishing their season with a Division 1 semi-final appearance.

They began with a 48-36 win over the Wangaratta Warriors, with Nate Fitzpatrick, Jed Fitzmaurice, and Callan Leiper leading the offence and Jett Boyer and Jake Woolston providing strong defence.

In their second game, they defeated rivals Myrtleford 40-28, with Jake and Lennix Leetham stepping up in the second half.

The boys fell short in their third game despite some strong defence by Angus Priest, losing 56-47 to Yarra-Mul after a strong third-quarter push by the Lakers.

They bounced back in the morning with a 38-33 win over Echuca, with Jed’s final-quarter performance securing the victory.

In the semi-final, the Giants got off to a quick start, but Wodonga’s strength gave them a 17 point half-time lead before a huge second half with steals from Nate Fitzpatrick and Jetta Macdonald putting his body on the line.

Despite a strong comeback, the boys were edged out 43-37 by Wodonga.

Jake Woolston received the Provincial Wealth Tournament Award for his consistent effort and skill.

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Sunday, 6th April 2025

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