Coming off a 2023 season where the team dominated Division Two, the boys took a giant leap into the top division, and as the scores attest, they were strong contenders.
It was not the same team, and it was not the same all-out conquest, but under new coach Amber McIntyre, these boys made an impact.
The top-age guns, Caleb Thwaites, Jackson Quarrell, Teddy Sheehan and Darcy Mort, are still doing what they do best.
Just as Coach Sheree’s son Lachlan made up the top five, so too does Amber’s son, Max Reynolds, statistically slotting in as Lachie’s replacement.
Game one against Yarrawonga-Mulwala saw Max lead the scoring for the Benalla boys, and the team won by nine points.
The second game against metropolitan team Eltham, which would go on to win the tournament, was even tighter, showing that even though this was their first Division One tournament, they were a strong Division One team.
Caleb led the team by a massive scoring margin, and even though the timekeeping was not on their side, the Breaker boys played until the last siren, losing by only four points to a team that crushed every other rival by an average of 29 points.
Coming out against Myrtleford on Sunday morning, it was Teddy who rallied the troops, making the biggest impact on both the scoreboard and the team cohesion overall with his compelling rebounding, passing and strength of mind.
Jackson also shone with his independent ball-handling and driving.
Even though Benalla went down narrowly, 19-22, the team’s capable defensive skills saw Myrtleford struggle all the way to the finish.
The final game of our tournament saw a comfortable 21-point win over Mansfield Gold, which enabled Amber to continue cycling all players through court time, developing our bottom-age players, and giving all team members their time to shine.
Something that James Palmer took advantage of with powerful defence, leading to impressive shots at goal and his first tournament point.
Cooper Pilkington also supported the team and had a good shot at goal.
The important roles of Xavier Beriman and Spencer Whitechurch were highlighted in game four, showing speed and dexterity down the centre.
Their consistent contribution placed them neck-and-neck in the stats below fifth-ranked player Darcy, who, as always, displayed unwavering team spirit with consistently successful shooting and tactical play through all games, particularly game one.
It was, without a doubt, a team effort led by a new coach who focused on the importance of cohesion, a positive mindset and enjoying the game.
The team’s results indicate its trajectory is on the move again, rising to the top of yet another division.
Benalla’s next big test is the Wangaratta Tournament, to be held in Wodonga over the March long weekend, and then on to the Junior Country Championships on April 13 and 14, where Coach Amber plans to make a mark with an under-12 Benalla Breakers team that is only getting better.
