UNDER 12 GIRLS - BY Shannon Tarran

The Junior Basketball Carnival held in Port Augusta on the weekend proved to be an exciting and challenging time for the Under 12 Girls. The team was extremely lively when it came to their first game at 8am on Saturday morning and were eager to begin the day with a win. They played really well together, which resulted in Roxby Downs being no match for the young girl’s team, who came through winning 51-4. Port Pirie was the girl’s second game, and again, Whyalla came through with a win. The West Adelaide Bearcats, Division One team were the girl’s third game, and unfortunately, was the team’s first loss by about 35 points. After a loss to Port Lincoln late on Saturday afternoon, the team ran the risk of being removed from the finals campaign. However, luck was on their side, finishing third by less than 2 percent.
Sunday was kicked started by an amazing performance by the team against Yorke Valley. The game came down to the last few minutes, and after an intense surge by the Stealers under 12’s, they were on their way to a Grand Final appearance against the West Adelaide Bearcats. From the beginning it was evident to see that neither team wanted to lose the game that counted the most, with both teams coming out raring to go. The Bearcats eventually got the better of the girls, losing 28-16. Throughout the game the girls stepped up with each playing a key role in the team, and the ability going deeper than the five players on the court. The girls proved to have an exceptionally good weekend, and hope to have the same success in Port Pirie in three weekend’s time.