Young basketballers take centre stage

More than 500 young basketballers from across the state will converge on the Wimmera at the weekend for the annual Intersport Horsham Junior Basketball tournament.

Horsham Amateur Basketball Association publicity director Tony Sleep said 70 teams from Horsham, Colac, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Stawell, Ararat, Terang and Warracknabeal would contest the event.

“We will have more than 500 players on courts throughout Horsham and Dimboola on Saturday, with all games in town on Sunday,” he said.

“The hometown Horsham Hornets will be fielding 12 teams across all age groups from under-12s to under-18 boys and girls.

“We are really excited to be hosting some of the best basketballing talent in country Victoria throughout the weekend and competition should be red hot.”

Mr Sleep said the influx of visitors would boost the region’s accommodation, food and retail businesses.

“Last year’s tournament numbers brought in an estimated $320,000 across the weekend,” he said.

“Our team of volunteers will be putting in the hours again to make sure that our tournament leaves a memorable experience for all of our visiting teams and families.”

The action kicks off at 8am both days, with the last grand finals scheduled for 5pm Sunday.