Sport
18 February, 2026
Redbacks girls win seventh straight title
The Ararat Redbacks under-18 girls' representative team has claimed its seventh consecutive title, defeating Terang Tornadoes at the Maryborough & St Arnaud basketball tournament held last weekend.
The Redbacks won all four matches leading up to the grand final, and in the decider, defeated Terang 42-36, with Ruby Thomas the star leading the way with 18 points.
The Redbacks didn’t rely just on Thomas, with five other players hitting the scoreboard, led by Violet Day with eight. Addison Lardner and Bridie Price both scored six, while Mia Gardiner and Nevani Woods both scored two apiece.
Ruby Thomas led the tournament with 75 points, while Violet Day was second with 45, highlighting the Redbacks’ dominance.
The girls will look to win their eighth consecutive title when they play the Junior Championships in Shepparton on March 14 and 15.
The under-18 boys won two matches in their competition, defeating Deni Giants 36-22 and BDU Lightning Grey, 32-24.
Athiay Kur continued his excellent representative form, leading the way for the Redbacks in the tournament with 32 points, while Tanu Parsons scored 27. Archer Sparks and Oli Reynolds both scored 26 and 24, respectively.
While the under-16 boys didn’t win a match, they showed competitiveness and great sportsmanship. Billy Walker was their best scorer for the tournament with 48 points. Nate Rhodes also played well, scoring 34.
The under-14 boys enjoyed a great tournament, winning two games. They defeated BDU Lightning Black 50-32 and the Bendigo Braves in a 31-28 thriller.
Oliver McDougall enjoyed a terrific tournament, scoring 55 points, just six behind the leader, Ned McMahon from Castlemaine.
The under-12 boys also tasted victory, defeating Deni Giants 36-13 in a dominant display. Jaxon Foster and Tanaki Waihape both led the way with 11 points.
Waihape scored 34 points for the tournament, while Noah Hughes and Jaxon Foster scored 25 and 23, respectively.
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