By Melissa Thomas

Thursday November 27^th saw the third McDonalds Hoop Time State Final day at Dandenong Basketball Stadium for the Junior Future Stars, the day started with the top 32 teams in the state with teams travelling as from as far as Myrtleford and Yarragon to play. The day was highly competitive and this was shown in the results many draws being played out.

Semi Finals came around and the first was between Myrtleford Monkeys and Bethany Blazers, the Blazers got off to a great start leading the Monkeys 10-6 and while the Monkeys started the second half well they couldn’t bridge the gap with the Blazers running home strong winning 19-10.

The second Semi saw Jells Park Jaguars taking on Ringwood North Nets with both teams being undefeated all day. The game was close and at half time the teams could not be split with scores 8-8. After the break the Jaguars took off and pulled off a win 19-12.

The McDonalds Hoop Time Junior Future Stars State Championship Final saw the Bethany Blazers face off against the Jells Park Jaguars. The game was clean with little fouls from each team and the score was tight & goal for goal in the first half and scored lock at 8-8. The second half was much the same the biggest margin between the teams at any one time was 2 points. Coming into the last minute scores were locked 17-17, players were frantic, spectators were nervous and the tension was building. After a very long minute with the clock stopping many times the Jaguars secured victory by 1 point to take the title of Junior Future Stars State Champions for 2014.

Junior Future Stars State Champions – Jells Park Jaguars (Jells Park Primary School)

Junior Future Stars Runners Up – Bethany Blazers (Bethany Primary School)