The biggest weekend of Junior Basketball in Mount Gambier takes place next weekend when the local Association conducts the annual City of Mount Gambier Junior Basketball Tournament.

More than 100 junior basketball teams will travel to the Blue Lake City on Saturday to compete in the Tournament. Teams from the Western Districts of Victoria, headed by a 12 team contingent from Warrnambool, a range of Country SA Associations and outstanding representation from Associations in the Limestone Coast region. Neighbouring Association Millicent has nominated 14 teams. There is also a city flavour with the nomination of two Under 12 Boys teams from the metropolitan powerhouse Club, Forestville Eagles. These teams will set the bench mark for the two divisions.     

This Tournament has built a reputation of being efficiently organised, run smoothly throughout the weekend and complemented by the first class hospitality extended to the several thousands of players and parents involved in the Tournament.

One of the key factors in the success of the weekend is the magnificent efforts of the many local volunteers in preparing for the event and running the competitions.

There are 20 divisions within the age groups of Under 12 through to Under 18 played at 10 courts within the City, including six School Multi-purpose Halls as well as the Bern Bruning Stadium.

The Junior Lakers teams have enjoyed overall success at the previous two Junior Tournaments they attended. In early October the eleven Lakers teams competed in the Murray Bridge Tournament, eight of the 11 played off in grand finals and 5 were successful.

They were Under 18 Men, coached by Bryan Green, Under 16 Girls Division 1, coached by Dan Stratford, Under 16 Girls’ Division 2 coached by Liz Markiewicz, Under 12 Girls with Peter Duncan in charge and the Under 12 Boys under the guidance of Robbie Young.

The Lakers followed up with successes across the board in the Millicent Tournament at the end of last month. The Lakers Under 12 Boys continued their success with an exciting win over Warrnambool, the Under 12 Girls scored a last gasp one point win over host Millicent, the Under 14 Boys and Under 16 Girls Div. 1 and 2 sides won the grand finals.

Coaches are looking for this form and team-work to continue this weekend in the Lakers Junior Tournament.     

Sports fans are invited to attend the Tournament where there will be a wide range of hot and cold foods and drinks available throughout the weekend.