Griffith Demons championship winning team. Back row: Maggie Mahon, Mila Boulderston, Tatum Brady, Hannah Robinson, Parece Weeks and Eliza Johanson, Front row: Evie Charles, Joni McNicol, Joanie Wynne and Bailey Forbes. Photo: Supplied.
The Griffith Demons Under 12 girls have claimed a NSW basketball championship in a remarkable run that saw the young Riverina side defeat some of Sydney’s strongest junior teams.
Captained by Evie Charles, the Demons went through the Western Junior League season undefeated, beating Leeton in the grand final to secure their place at the NSW state finals.
The Waratah Junior State Cup, held in Orange earlier this month, brought together the leading regional and metropolitan teams in the state, giving Griffith the chance to test itself against some of the strongest basketball programs in NSW.
Captain Evie Charles led by example. Photo: Basketball NSW.
The Demons rose to the occasion.
They defeated Bankstown, Sydney Comets and Albury before overcoming Sydney-based Hills Hornets in the championship decider.
“The Hills Hornets were the defending champions, and all their supporters were in the stadium, creating lots of noise,” Evie said.
“So it was really tough. But our teamwork and passing was consistent, we started strong and finished even stronger.”
The tight final ultimately ended with Griffith claiming a 15-point victory and a memorable state title.
Evie also explained how she landed the role of captain, even though she’s one of the team’s younger players at just 10 years old.
“Nobody else wanted to be captain; the girls all pointed to me when choosing, so I took the role,” she said.
But she’s adjusted to the role well.
“I would say I like to keep everyone calm and make sure nobody gets overwhelmed.”
The team are crowned champions. Photo: Basketball NSW.
Coach Carolyn Snow said going through the tournaments and beating all the Sydney teams was an incredible achievement for the Demons.
“I don’t think any Griffith team has ever done that before. Often, regional teams can barely win a game when they come up against the best Sydney sides,” she said.
“The final was tight but we really pulled up our socks and came away with the win.”
Snow was helped throughout the campaign by assistant coach Belinda Weeks and team manager Laura Dall’Est, the mother of captain Evie Charles and a former Griffith junior tennis champion.
“I got a trophy as well so it’s nice to have another one in our family cabinet,” she said.
Tatum Brady was the best player of the tournament. Photo: Basketball NSW.
Tatum Brady was named player of the tournament after an outstanding all-round performance.
Snow said the team’s development had also been helped by the John Davidson Country Jamboree in Griffith, an annual three-day development event for some of the leading under 12 basketball players from regional NSW.
