Contesting the 2024 Wangaratta Tournament, they clawed another step closer to the top of a division one ladder, finishing in second place after five rounds behind an unbeaten Echuca.
A team spokesperson said the most exciting element for this team is that it’s only its second contested division one tournament after finishing third on the tournament ladder last month.
“Ironically their weekend began and ended with formidable clashes against the same in-form Myrtleford team,” the spokesperson said.
“Benalla stole victory by three points in round one on Saturday morning before going down by 10 in the semi-final to the same team on Sunday afternoon.
“The best thing about this developing group of young men is their teamwork and their cohesion.
“There are no benchwarmers here as every player strives to give 110 per cent.
“James Palmer was a standout performance this weekend as he continues to grow into his role as a powerful, tall opponent.
“Not only was he active during rebounds, he’s also finding his voice on the bench and in team discussion.
“Teddy Sheehan was a ... dominant force on the court, ranking second in the statistics for the Breakers and seventh overall for the tournament.
“The title of the most valuable shooter on our team again went to Caleb Thwaites, who finished fifth in the statistics for the tournament.
“His speed, agility and tenacity make him a force to be reckoned with.”
The spokesperson said Benalla’s dependable number 3, Jackson Quarrell, had his best game yet against Wangaratta.
“Darcy Mort also continues to develop his on-court style, learning to pivot when the call doesn’t go his way and reassess the gameplay when the team needs a new direction,” the spokesperson said.
“At just 10 years of age, Maximus Reynolds overcame personal challenges when his style was shut down by a number of referees, taking it on the chin and adapting to come back with force, scoring consistently from the quick snatch-and-grab steals that are his signature drive.”
The spokesperson said others on the team also delivered on the day, including Spencer Whitechurch, Xavier Beriman and Cooper Pilkington.
“This is a team effort, and all nine of these growing junior basketball players are working not only on their skills and unity but also developing mindsets that are forming unbreakable patterns of resilience, self-regulation, and empowered determination,” the spokesperson said.
“Even after a heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals the boys were all smiles, knowing that they're only getting stronger.
“Bring on the Junior Country Championships in five weeks’ time. Go Breakers.”
14°C