Binar (WA) and Darwin Rebels (NT) celebrate together after their 14 & under girls’ game. Picture: Adam McKay
Like all sporting competitions there were winners and there were losers, however not one of the sixty attending teams from across the country left disappointed. The celebration of culture through sport brought amazing basketball talent on-court, combined with proud community support off-court. Festivities commenced with an Opening Ceremony in front of 1200-plus spectators. On the same night, fans were also treated to 3-point shootout competitions and a slam dunk contest. Cairns local Indiah Bowyer took out the women’s shootout, while Fred Williams from the Darwin Razzle Storm collected the men’s crown. Alex Duke from Binar captivated the huge crowd with his aerial acrobatics enroute to winning the slam dunk title. 149 games were played across five days, with teams battling for grand final spots in the 14 & under, 17 & under and senior divisions. Kayin Bau from the Torres Strait Islands were too good in the 14 & under girls’ decider, defeating Binar from Western Australia, 44-31. Monique Bobongie from Kayin Bau top scored with 15 grand final points, the 13-year old also earning tournament MVP honours following a week of stellar performances.
A huge community gathered for the opening ceremony of the tournament
On the back of some relentless defence, the Binar 14 & under boys were dominant in their grand final, defeating the Garbutt Magpies (QLD), 57-36. Binar cousins Malachi and Cumoram Desmond combining for 25-points, the latter securing tournament MVP honours. The Darwin Rebels from Northern Territory were far too good for Binar, 52-35 in the 17 & under girls final. Tiayana Sing lead the way for the Rebels with 20-points, including four, long-range trifectas. Sing’s Rebels teammate Molly Althouse taking home tournament MVP silverware. A 21-point outburst from MVP Ronan Coppin led Binar to the 17 & under boy’s national title. The Western Australian’s defeated the NQ Phoenix Blaze, 64-50. Ezekial Corowa was the best for the Blaze finishing with 19.
It was a deadly contest between the Townsville Bouncers and Mulungu Mareeba U14B
In the Senior women’s division, the Darwin Rebels proved too good for the NQ Phoenix Fire, 57-47. Adelaide Lightning WNBL development player Jasmin Fejo dropping 21-points for the Rebels in a polished performance. Rebels shooting guard Ambah Kowcun was named MVP of the division, averaging 16 points per game across 8 games. In the marquee men’s division matchup Erub United capped off an undefeated week taking down the Cairns Black Marlins, 55-47. Erub United forward Chris Cedar winning MVP honours after dropping a game-high 17-points.
Wundarra Thomas in action for the Southern Lightning
AIB Chief Executive Officer and Tournament Director Joel Khalu spoke of the success of the tournament. “Our organizing committee were blown away with how well everything went,” Khalu said. “All of the participating teams were fantastic, both on and off the court. The vibe throughout the venue was positive all week.” “We had lots of nail-biting finishes and the crowd support across all the matches created an unreal atmosphere for the players, particularly for our junior teams.” “There’s a few things our committee will look to change for future AIB tournaments but overall, for a first time, we’re absolutely thrilled.” “Based on the outcomes achieved, we have no doubt it will continue to grow and be bigger again in 2020.”
Elijah Hastie in action for the Townsville Bouncers
The Australian Indigenous Basketball National Tournament was proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.
Australian Indigenous Basketball (AIB) is a non-profit incorporated association, operating as the recognised body for Indigenous Basketball in Australia and is responsible for the delivery of key strategic priorities.
Our friends can keep up to date with all AustralianIndigenousBasketball events by following their Website, Facebook and Instagram.
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 