The Deniliquin Junior Giants have made a strong start to the 2026/27 representative basketball season, with four teams progressing to grand finals at the recent Wangaratta tournament.
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The under-12 boys’ Black side enjoyed an outstanding tournament, dominating the Division 3 competition to secure the first grand final appearance of the season for the Giants.
The young team produced a series of commanding performances, defeating Yarra-Mul 61-9, Corryong 65-9, Deni Giants Orange 77-2 and Echuca Pirates 57-3 to book their place in the grand final against the Wodonga Wolves.
The Giants' unselfish team play helped them establish strong leads throughout the competition, and they continued that form in the decider, securing a convincing 48-16 victory.
Bailey Cabral was named Grand Final Most Valuable Player by the umpires following an impressive performance, while Lincoln Arthur received the tournament award for his efforts at his first Giants tournament, particularly his ability to listen to feedback and put it into practice on court.
The u18 girls also enjoyed a terrific start to the season, overcoming a late start to training due to netball finals to progress to the Division 2 grand final.
The girls began with an 18-25 loss to eventual grand final winners Mansfield Eagles before bouncing back in a tightly contested 30-28 victory over Yarra-Mul Lakers.
Their defensive intensity lifted in the third round against Benalla Breakers, with improved ball movement helping the Giants secure a 31-19 win.
The sides met again in the semi-final, where Benalla proved a determined opponent. The Giants showed great composure under pressure to hold on for a 28-22 victory and secure their grand final berth.
The decider was a seesawing affair, with both teams holding narrow leads at different stages.
Despite the Giants' best efforts, Mansfield again proved too strong, edging out the Deniliquin side in a heartbreaking 30-29 finish.
Bella Hillier was awarded Grand Final MVP by the umpires following an outstanding performance, while Lilly Boyer received the tournament award in recognition of her determination and effort.
The under-14 boys’ Black team also made an impressive start to the season, recording convincing Saturday victories over Echuca Pirates 59-19 and Yarra-Mul 79-18 before facing tougher opposition on Sunday.
The Giants responded well against the Tumut Timberwolves and Wodonga Wolves, producing terrific team basketball, moving the ball seamlessly down the court and applying strong defensive pressure.
Their efforts resulted in a 20-point victory over Tumut and a hard-fought six-point win over Wodonga, securing another grand final appearance for the club.
The boys faced undefeated Myrtleford in the decider, with the teams having some history between them and the Giants keen to put on a strong showing.
The contest was evenly matched, but despite the Giants giving everything they had, some accurate shooting from the Saints proved decisive as Deniliquin went down 34-40.
Jed Fitzmaurice received the tournament award for his leadership and reliable shooting. He also finished as the tournament's leading scorer for the Giants, collecting 69 points across the weekend.
The u14 girls produced a terrific tournament, with each game challenging the side to lift its performance in a series of closely contested encounters.
The girls opened with a narrow 23-26 loss to Mansfield Eagles before bouncing back with a 31-11 win over the Yorta Yorta Turtles.
Their third-round clash against Rochester Tigers was a thriller, with the Giants digging deep to secure a nail-biting 27-26 victory.
They then found their rhythm against Yarra-Mul, recording their most convincing win of the tournament, 45-12.
Knowing a strong semi-final performance against Benalla Breakers would secure a grand final appearance, the girls established an early lead and held firm despite a fightback from their opponents, winning 29-16.
A rematch with Mansfield Eagles awaited in the grand final, setting the stage for an exciting finish. The scores remained close early before Mansfield began scoring more consistently, leaving the Giants 10 points short of the title.
Harper Bulmer received the tournament award for her work ethic and commitment, working tirelessly at both ends of the court throughout the weekend.
The u16 boys made a terrific start to the 2026/27 season following a challenging pre-season, with many players involved in football finals deep into the lead-up to the tournament.
Despite the limited preparation time together, the boys put their best foot forward, recording strong wins over Tatura 82-38 and Echuca 67-32.
Their second-round clash against the Wodonga Wolves proved a tougher test, but the Giants dug deep when the pressure was on to secure a hard-fought 47-43 victory.
The team knew its fourth game against the Shepparton Gators would be challenging, and a slow start in front of the basket allowed the Gators to capitalise.
The Giants worked hard to overcome the strength of their opponents but were unable to get past the well-drilled Shepparton side, going down 63-43.
Degan Morgan received the tournament award for his strength under the ring and relentless rebounding throughout the competition.
The u14 boys Orange enjoyed a positive start to the season, finishing the tournament with two wins from four games.
After a tough 20-54 loss to the ever-strong Wodonga Wolves, the boys bounced back in an intense contest against the Shepparton Gators, securing a narrow 21-19 victory in a game that could have gone either way.
Playing a late Saturday night game, the Giants carried the confidence from that win into their next match, defeating Mansfield Eagles 27-20.
Their final game against a strong Shepparton Gators side presented another challenge.
The physicality of the contest tested the young Giants, but to their credit, they stuck to their game plan despite going down 11-25.
Chase Dunn received the tournament award for his 100 per cent effort and willingness to take on feedback from his coach.
Although the u18 boys, u12 boys Orange and u16 girls were unable to secure a win across the weekend, the teams showed grit and determination.
The u18 boys faced two tough opponents to begin their campaign, going down to Tatura 25-43 and Wodonga Wolves 28-63.
The boys gradually found their confidence and began playing their style of basketball, narrowly losing their final two games against Echuca Pirates 27-32 and Benalla Breakers 34-40.
Considering the limited preparation time the group had together, the boys combined well and will look to continue building towards the upcoming tournaments.
For the u12 boys Orange, the Wangaratta tournament marked the beginning of a representative basketball journey for many players who are new to the Giants this season.
While wins proved difficult to come by, the team grew more comfortable with representative basketball as the rounds progressed, providing a positive foundation for continued skill development and improvement.
Ryder Boyer received the tournament award for his team play and consistent effort.
The u16 girls had a tough start to the season, only becoming tougher as the games progressed with two players going down with injuries.
The girls started their weekend against Rochester Tigers, who got the early lead and finished 28-7 winners.
The competition got tougher from their with matches against Yarra-Mul Lakers (24-43), Wodonga Wolves Maroon (48-16), Tumut Timberwolves (52-6) and Echuca Pirates (41-10), despite the margins, the girls continued to fight in each game to the final siren.
Indi Conallin was awarded the tournament award for her outstanding effort, determination and consistency.
With four teams reaching grand finals and plenty of encouraging performances across the remaining sides, the Wangaratta tournament provided a positive opening to the 2026/27 season for the Deniliquin Junior Giants.
The players are back on the court this weekend for the Swan Hill tournament.
The Giants will be looking to build on the lessons, confidence and team connections gained in Wangaratta as the representative season continues.