U14 and U16 Girls (below) teams.  Photos courtesy of Jeff Cooper and James O’Donohue

THE Penrith Basketball Association was represented by three teams (U14 Girls, U16 Girls and U16 Boys) at the 2026 National Junior Classic, held at the State Basketball Centre (VIC) from June 6–8.

NSW had a total of 29 teams at the Classic, which catered for U12 through to U18 age groups, with a total number of 128 teams from Victoria, NSW and South Australia in attendance.

The National Junior Classic remains one of the premier events on the Australian junior basketball calendar and teams must qualify or earn an invitation to compete.

Basketball Victoria National Junior Classic Coordinator, Emma Hayes said the tournament continues to showcase the very best of junior basketball talent from across Australia.

“Every year the National Junior Classic brings together some of the strongest junior programs in the country, and 2026 shaped up to be another incredibly high-level tournament,” Hayes said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for athletes, coaches and officials to test themselves amongst the best teams and individuals from across the country. It also gives the wider basketball community the chance to see the future of the game on display right here in Victoria.”

Penrith’s U14 Girls finished in 10th spot, the U16 Girls in 14th, and the U16 Boys in 15th.

U14 Girls: West Adelaide 49 def Penrith 46, Traralgon 57 def Penrith 39, Camberwell 58 def Penrith 39, Penrith 61 def Eastern Mavericks 45, Penrith 53 def Manly Warringah 44, Traralgon 41 def Penrith 39.

U16 Girls: Penrith 67 def Eastern Mavericks 58, Diamond Valley 65 def Penrith 55, Bendigo 97 def Penrith 23, Frankston 58 def Penrith 43, Penrith 61 def Forestville 52, Eastern Mavericks 68 def Penrith 60,

U16 Boys: North Adelaide 77 def Penrith 55, Nunawading 76 def Penrith 60, Knox 97 def Penrith 58, Sandringham 72 def Penrith 66, West Adelaide 67 def Penrith 63, Penrith 58 def Manly Warringah 48.