Grand final victory for young Waikerie basketballers
Both teams were favourites going into their games. The Warriors’ under 12 division 2 girls beat Berri 37 to 10, and the Warriors’ under 16 division 2 boys beat Renmark 44 to 28.
THE future for Waikerie basketball is looking bright with the under 12 division 2 girls and under 16 division 2 boys teams winning their grand final games.
Both teams were favourites going into their games. The Warriors’ under 12 division 2 girls beat Berri 37 to 10, and the Warriors’ under 16 division 2 boys beat Renmark 44 to 28.
Coach for Waikerie’s under 12 division 2 girls team, Erin Nettelbeck, said the team had expected to play Loxton for the premiership, but to their surprise had to face Berri, who had an unexpected win over the Supercats.
“This was actually good for Berri and we were shocked and happy for them,” she said.
“But we were a little bit nervous, and they have improved out of sight.” Ms Nettelbeck said the team had started the season with a mixture of ability levels, with three of the girls playing their first season in the Riverland Basketball Association competition, after only having experience at a Waikerie level.
“They worked really well together as a team and the improvement has been huge,” she said.
“They have done really well.” Waikerie Warriors team manager for the under 16 boys, Ashlee Exton, said the team was showing a lot of promise for the future.
She said the game against Renmark started off looking close but Waikerie ended up winning by 16 goals. “They play well together and are a really good bunch of boys who just love playing,” Ms Exton said.
