Players to watch at under-14 Junior Country Champs

Some of Victoria’s best junior basketballers are set to go head-to-head this weekend at the under-14 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 Ballarat for the under-14 Basketball Victoria Junior Country Championships.

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

Henry Ackerly, Wangaratta

He is a developing centre with strength and pace. He can finish well both sides of the basket. He is a strong presence on the court and brings he teammates along with him.

Alistair Buckland, Foster

A traditional big man, Buckland controls the paint at both ends of the court. Collects all the rebounds, protects the ring and bullies opponents to score around the basket.

Billy Brundell, Wallan

This will be Brundell’s second short at the under-12s title. He takes on a strong leadership role in this team.

Alistair Buckland will play a key role for Foster.

Willow Butinar, Foster

Butinar is a dynamic point guard who is very hard to stop from scoring or creating opportunities for her teammates. She is used in a range of position depending on match ups. Her speed, tireless defence and ability to read the play allow her to create turnover after turnover.

Cooper Cassidy, Wangaratta

He is an and coming young talented basketball player. His excellent decision making has the ability to involve all his teammates around him to achieve the best possible results for all.

Arhi Cohen, Wodonga

Coghen s super quick and strong and plays with an aggression rarely seen at this age group. She is the team’s top scorer and rebounder and they will be looking for her to replicate her efforts in last year’s champs where she was the team’s strongest player despite being bottom age.

Arhi Cohen will have a big say in Wodonga's chances.

Charlize Cooper of Hamilton Hurricanes.

Charlize Cooper, Hamilton

Versatile wing who can match up on anyone defensively and is exciting to watch when she gets out on the fast break.

Jobe Driscoll, Maryborough

A skilful player always involved in the action. Driscoll has great ability to attack the ring and consistently gives his all.

Hudson Durling, Myrtleford

An excitement machine and natural leader within his team. He is a 3-way scorer that has a never-give-up attitude.

Alex Ingham is an exciting prospect from Warragul.

Emily Iredell of the Hamilton Hurricanes.

Alex Ingham, Warragul

Ingham is a fierce competitor with excellent defensive skills and is dangerous anywhere on the court in offence. He has been a key member of the Warragul squad since under-10s and his leadership and attitude make him a valued member of the team.

Emily Iredell, Hamilton

A point guard whose competitiveness sets the tone for the rest of the team. An excellent on ball defender who is also a handful to stop when attacking the basket.

Sam Lupo, Myrtleford

Has ample talent and a basketball IQ beyond his bottom age years. Lupo’s hustle on both ends of the floor makes him a 40-minute threat.

Harry McClelland, Maryborough

A versatile player who has grown in confidence. A quiet achiever, McClelland is a reliable teammate who will play a big role maintaining structure at both ends of the court this weekend.

Ollie Muir continues to grow into a special player.

Parker Schultz will be key for Wallan.

Ollie Muir, Warragul

A combination of blistering pace, silky skills, high basketball IQ and dedication has made Muir one of elite point guards in his age group. He has been involved in the Warragul squad since he was 7-years-old and his love for the game and his ability to make his teammates better makes him a natural leader for the team.

Parker Schultz, Wallan

Coming off a Division 3 win last year in the under-12s and selection for the Country Jamboree, Schultz is looking to take the next step and repeat in the under-14s. His size and athleticism will be challenging for other teams and he’ll be looking to exploit any advantages that gives him.

Lily Storr, Foster

Storr is a left handed two-way player. She is a highly effective defender, especially overhead; who can score both inside and out.

Rochester players to watch: Asher Rasmussen, Harvey Keating, Tony Phyland.