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Under-14 Club Champs: Enthralling day one sets scene for big week in Ballarat Ballarat witnessed plenty of thrills and spills on day one, as the young teams got their first chance to feel out the competition. Of the 36 games played, here are just some of the highlights from today’s action. Boys Spectators didn’t have…

Bec Allen named to FIBA Women’s Asia Cup ‘All-Star Five’ Allen would save her best for last in the Asia Cup, pouring in 20 points against Korea on Sunday night, to go along with seven rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks. The starring role in the 98-62 win ensured that the Opals would…

Chemist Warehouse Opals secure bronze in dominant win over Korea Written by Kane Pitman. It was an impressive four quarter performance for the Opals, who were able to shelve the disappointment from the loss to Japan 24 hours ago to dominate the Korean team from opening tip. “I think the disappointment of the game last…

Under-14 club championship media day: Teams ready to get to work in pursuit of glory Written by Oliver Kay The first duties for clubs took place on Sunday, at the official team photo day for the 2019 Under-14 Club Championship in Ballarat. As the 48 participating teams filed through to get their snaps taken, there…

Chemist Warehouse Opals fall to Japan in FIBA Women’s Asia Cup semi-final The 64 points is the lowest point total for the Opals all tournament, as they could only manage 25-for-74 (33 percent) shooting from the field, and 7-for-25 (28 percent) from long range. Jenna O’Hea led scoring for Australia with 12 points, while Bec…

Chemist Warehouse Opals produce emphatic response to advance to final four Written by Kane Pitman. Bec Allen would lead all scorers for the Opals with 15 points, while Ezi Magbegor had 13, Cayla George 12, Steph Talbot 11, and Sara Blicavs 10. It was a determined Opals outfit that hit the floor against Taipei, with…

The National under-14 Club Championships set to tip-off on Sunday 48 teams (24 girls and 24 boys) descend on Ballarat this week, with only two teams destined to walk away as tournament champions. From September 30 to October 5, the rising stars of Australian basketball will do battle at the brand new Ballarat Sports and…

Chemist Warehouse Opals fall to China in tight tussle Written by Kane Pitman. Leilani Mitchell would acrobatically finish a lay-up with 12 seconds left to give the Opals their first lead since the second quarter at 69-68, before Ting Shao converted on the other end to regain the lead for China. The Opals were unable…

Victorian Referees set to officiate Club Championships Congratulations to the following referees on their selections to the 2019 Australian Under-14 Club Championships, held this upcoming week in Ballarat. The 2019 Australian Under-14 Club Championships will see the best 24 clubs – including 12 Victorian teams – square off in both the boys and girls sections….

Chemist Warehouse Opals remain undefeated with big win over New Zealand Written by Kane Pitman. Stifling defence and scorching shooting from the outside sparked the win, as the Opals cruised to victory in the second half. Ezi Magbegor came into the starting line-up to face the Tall Ferns with immediate results, replacing Katie Ebzery. Magbegor…