SA Junior Basketball Championships grand finals exclusively live streamed by The Advertiser from 1.30pm Sunday
The state’s young hoops stars are battling it out in the SA Junior Basketball Championships. Watch the grand final action in our exclusive live stream now.
Live Stream
Don't miss out on the headlines from Live Stream. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Just six weeks ago, these young hoops stars were unsure if they would play in a state junior championships this year.
The coronavirus pandemic had forced Basketball Australia to cancel the nationals and many wondered if the state titles would also be shelved for 2020.
But with no local community transmission of COVID-19 in recent months, Basketball SA has forged ahead with the premier underage event and its 350 games over four days.
In a tournament first, The Advertiserwill live stream all eight girls and boys state grand finals – from under-12s to under-18s – on advertiser.com.au from 1.30pm on Sunday.
More than 150 teams and 1600 young guns are participating in the titles, now in its 38th year.
Sturt power forward Vincent Zaitidis said his under-12 team would be working hard to earn a grand final berth.
The 11-year-old took part in last year’s event, when his Sabres side made the decider but finished runner up.
“I am excited and nervous,” said Vincent, before the championships.
“I’d be happy (to make the grand final).”
Jackson Haren, of North Adelaide’s under-18 boys, hoped to use the tournament to push his case for Premier League action with the Rockets next season.
He said the live stream would give players’ extended family a chance to watch the action, given COVID restrictions would limit grand final crowd numbers at St Clair.
“State champs are always fun,” Jackson said.
“It’ll be my second (state champs) win if we do happen to win.
“I won it not last year, but the year before, with North Adelaide’s under-16 team.
“Not a lot of people can be at the stadium at one time, so this way anyone can watch.”
Southern Tigers talent Summer Bland said the titles were a good way for youngsters to showcase their skills.
“It’s always fun,” Summer, 12, said.
“I would like to play for Australia one day.”
Basketball SA chief executive Phil Sinnott was “thrilled” the event could proceed in a “year like no other”.
“Our basketball community has really come together to maintain a safe environment and it’s allowed us all to keep playing the game we love,” Sinnott said.
GRAND FINAL FIXTURES:
St Clair Recreation Centre, court one
■ 1.30pm: Under-12 girls
■ 2.30pm: Under-14 boys
■ 3.30pm: Under-16 girls
■ 4.30pm: Under-18 boys
St Clair Recreation Centre, court five
■ 1.30pm: Under-12 boys
■ 2.30pm: Under-14 girls
■ 3.30pm: Under-16 boys
■ 4.30pm: Under-18 girls