THE Wangaratta Warriors’ under 14 boys and girls teams travelled to Ballarat over the weekend for the 2024/2025 state championships, with both squads coming away as division five runners up. On day one, the boys were defeated by the strong Macedon Rangers and Leongatha teams, but they were too good for Ararat running away with a 25-point win. Finishing third in their pool, the young Warriors qualified for division five. The boys were at their absolute best on day two, and convincing victories over Foster, Morwell and Maryborough earnt the boys top spot in their pool. Day three saw convincing wins in their quarter final against Morwell and semi-final against Maryborough, leading them to a grand final match-up against local rival Yarrawonga Mulawla. The grand final was a tight back and forth contest, with both teams playing some great basketball while fighting fatigue after nine games in three days, but the Warriors just couldn't make any inroads into the half-time deficit, eventually going down 34-42. The girls team started day one on fire with a comfortable win against Lakes Entrance, but losses to Bairnsdale and Colac saw them finish third in their pool, qualifying for division five. The girls, like the boys, were at their best on day two, defeating Terang, Lakes Entrance and Leongatha to secure top spot in their pool. Day three started with a strong 17-point quarter final win over Maryborough, followed by a 10-point semifinal win over Foster, setting up a grand final match-up against the only other undefeated division five team, Sale. The Warriors jumped out of the blocks and held an eight-point quarter time lead, but Sale fought back in the second quarter to hold a four-point lead at the half. The Warriors were able to reduce the deficit to one at three-quarter time. The fourth quarter was a tight tussle, but the Warriors’ shots just would not go in and the girls eventually lost 34-46. Wangaratta’s under 12 boys and girls head to Bendigo this weekend for their state championships.
