Players to watch at under-12 Junior Country Champs

Some of Victoria’s best junior basketballers are set to go head-to-head this weekend at the under-12 Junior Country Championships. Here’s who to keep an eye on.

Some of Victoria’s best junior basketballers are set to go head-to-head this weekend.

Country basketball’s best teams will descend on Bendigo for the under-12 Basketball Victoria Junior Country Championships.

Here are some of the players to keep an eye on.

Nash Durling, Myrtleford

This pocket rocket is not to be slept on. Quick hands and feet in defence, amazing hustle and an ability to score from anywhere make him an outstanding asset to his team.

Nate Ellis, Warragul

Ellis is the ultimate Swiss Army knife. If his team needs him to score, he’ll do it. Need him to have the most rebounds in a game, he’ll do it. Need him to be your point guard he will do it. He’s also the best one-on-one multi positional defender in Gippsland for his age group.

Fletcher Fyfe, Sale

Fyfe is bottom age and his team’s tallest player. He has had a great season both domestically and at representative basketball level. He has had a large workload in the rebounding department but managed it very well. Fyfe has developed all aspects of his game this season.

Fletcher Fyfe will be key for Sale.

Tyler Harrison of the Sale Sonics.

Tyler Harrison, Sale

Harrison is a top aged shooting guard. He may be short but he is a real dynamo on the court. He has had a great year and managed to win a couple of games by shooting the winning points on or after the final buzzer. He has a ferocious determination to do well.

Keira Ingham, Warragul

With lightning speed, quick reflexes and elite vision, Ingham can take the game away from the opposition in a heartbeat. Try to stop her, and she’ll impressively set up her teammates to really punish you.

Xavier Millar, Myrtleford

Following on from an exciting rookie year last year, Millar continues to go from strength to strength. His ability to play big and handle the ball makes him a threat and exciting to watch

Bailey Mumford will play a key role for Maryborough.

Bailey Mumford, Warragul

The best way to describe Mumford’s game is creative confidence. With the ability to find open space around the basket and the ability to hit the three at a constant level he’s a lot to handle for opponents. With the speed and handle to be a one man press break he’s an opposition coaches biggest headache.

Milla Palmer, Maryborough

Palmer demonstrates her strength in pressuring shooters and rebounding, but also has the ability to handle the ball well and drive in to score. She is always encouraging and supporting her Blazers teammates.

Ames Rea, Wangaratta

Rea has improved immensely over the season. She is determined to get better at her game and always tries to add the skills she learnt at training into her game. Quick down the court, finishes well and has worked a lot on her free throws, making her reliable at the line.

Isla Schultz, Shepparton

Schultz is a terrific rebounder, strong defender and has improved all areas of her skills this season.

Leilah Stone, Maryborough

A great dribbler who loves a fast break, Stone is a valuable team member of the Blazers. Works hard in defence to produce many turnovers and can capitalise with her scoring ability.

Harry Watson will play a key role for Shepparton.

Hudson Woods will be key for Shepparton.

Harry Watson, Shepparton

This is Watson’s second year representing Shepparton where he has learnt new skills and tactics to improve his game. He prides himself on his defence and rebounding but also loves hitting the scoreboard.

Tully Watson, Shepparton

Watson is a hard working guard, great defender and fantastic competitor for our team.

Hudson Woods, Shepparton

Woods started playing basketball at age 6 and likes competing at a high level. He enjoys practising fundamental skills and laying up against contact to finish with an “and one”. His favourite Australian NBA player is Josh Giddey from OKC.