The ultimate National Junior Classic preview

The King's Birthday long weekend means it's time for the National Junior Classic. We preview each division ahead of what is sure to be a great three days of hoops.

The 2023 National Junior Classic is here (June 10-12), with the best junior teams from across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales set to descend upon the State Basketball Centre and Dandenong Basketball Stadium in Melbourne.

The major tournament returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, with Nunawading leading the charge and winning three out of a possible eight titles.

However, it is four other Victorian clubs and a South Australia outfit that have the most teams attending this year’s tournament, with Sandringham, Kilsyth, Dandenong, Casey, and Norwood all sending seven teams.

There is talent across the board and it should make for an entertaining long weekend of basketball, especially considering the tournament is free for spectators.

Let’s take a look at the major contenders in each division.

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UNDER 12

Boys

Previous champions:

Casey (2022), Eltham (2019), Bulleen (2018), Hawthorn (2017), Kilsyth (2016), Bulleen (2015), Dandenong (2014), Melbourne (2013), Hawthorn (2012), Bulleen (2011), Melbourne (2010)

2023 Contenders:

Frankston are the biggest threat from Victoria, sitting 9-0 to start the season. They are the only undefeated team from across both Victoria Championship (VC) conferences, however, don’t actually lead in points or points allowed per game.