U18 Boys Semi Finalists: Chase Bartlett, Henry Robinson, Lincoln Meharry, Fred Everett, Seth May, Stuart Benger, Spencer Cowley, Archer Moodie and Coach Mick Everett.
The Deni Junior Giants Under-16 and Under-18 teams tipped off their 2026 basketball season at the Wodonga tournament, marking the first hit-out in the lead-up to a demanding three week stretch of tournament basketball.
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Across the weekend, the Giants showcased grit, growth and plenty of promise, with the Under-18 boys producing the standout performance of the tournament.
They showed how consistent training and hard work over the Christmas and New Year period has paid off, advancing to the semi-finals after a series of composed and competitive performances.
The boys opened the tournament with a solid 39–24 win over Corryong before backing it up with a tough 27–22 victory over Wagga. A dominant 47–16 win against Shepparton followed, giving the Giants confidence heading into finals play.
Their only pool loss came against Mansfield, where lapses in intensity resulted in a 33–21 defeat. That set up a high quality semi-final clash against Yarra-Mul.
Coach Mick challenged the group to deliver 40 minutes of grit and determination, and the boys responded with pressure, intent and heart.
Scores were level with four minutes remaining, but despite never dropping their effort or belief, the Giants went down by just two points, 34–32.
U18 Boys Chase Bartlett goes for the final shot in the semi final.
While the loss was disappointing, the performance highlighted the team’s growth and resilience. Archer Moodie was named the Under 18 Boys Tournament Award recipient.
U18 boys Archer Moodie shoots for a 3 pointer.
The Under-18 girls opened their campaign with a confident 21–16 win over Mansfield Eagles, using strong driving and inside play to control the contest. Limited preparation following the Christmas break didn’t slow the Giants, who executed their game plan well.
They faced a fast and physical Wallan Panthers in game two, going down 47–25, before narrowly missing an opportunity against Coburg Giants in a 29–21 loss.
The final match against Wodonga Wolves proved tough, with the Giants unable to match their opponents’ speed and intensity, losing 46–11.
Bella Hillier was recognised as Player of the Tournament for her consistent effort.
U18 Girl Bella Hillier fights for the ball in a close first game win.
The Under-16 girls faced a challenging draw but displayed determination throughout the tournament. They opened against Bendigo, falling 34–16 despite strong leadership from Jorja Woolston and consistent rebounding from Ava Braybon.
The highlight came in a thrilling 27–24 win over Echuca Pirates, where strong team defence and composure under pressure were rewarded late. Lilly Boyer attacked the ring with confidence, while fearless efforts from Zoe Harvey lifted the side.
Close contests followed against Mansfield (43–36) and Myrtleford (20–12), with the Giants continuing to fight despite fatigue. Versatility from Nina Glowrey, defensive commitment from Izzy Didcock, and improved defence from Maddy Woolston were key features.
Coach Brendan Willoughby awarded Lilly Boyer the Tournament Match Player Award for her determination and impact.
The Under-16 boys faced a challenging tournament schedule with an undermanned team for the first tournament of the year.
They opened against Shepparton Gators, going down 42–34 after being tested early. Logan Elphick and Max Burge found the basket to keep the Giants competitive, while Ryan Bulmer, Mickey Benger and stand in player Jordie White applied strong defensive pressure. Lucas Braybon and Angus Knuckey worked hard on the boards.
Game two saw a strong response, with the Giants claiming a convincing 57–39 win over Echuca Pirates. After an even first half, the boys came out firing, pulling away through strong defence and improved ball movement.
A tough match-up against Bendigo Braves followed, with size proving a significant challenge in a 53–19 loss. Despite the result, the game provided a valuable learning opportunity.
The tournament finished on a positive note with a hard-fought 32–25 win over Mansfield Eagles. The Giants held a height advantage and applied strong midcourt pressure, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities.
Despite injuries and foul trouble late, the group stood up collectively to secure the win, with every player contributing to the result.
All Giants teams will now turn their focus to the Maryborough tournament this weekend, with the older age groups looking to capitalise on their positive start to the season, while the younger squads will be eager to return to the court and continue building momentum as the 2026 campaign gathers pace.
