Greater Shepparton is gearing up for a busy weekend of basketball, with the 50th anniversary of the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association’s Annual Junior Tournament.
This year’s tournament will run in two instalments, with the first to be held this weekend, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, featuring junior basketball players from Division 2 and 3. The second tournament will begin on Saturday 5 December, running for two days for Championship and Division 1.
The event will be centred at the Shepparton Sports Stadium and will extend to 14 other stadiums across the Goulburn Valley. With each tournament expected to attract around 2,500 visitors, it will deliver significant benefits to local businesses and further strengthen Greater Shepparton’s reputation as a destination for sport and major events.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers congratulated organisers on the tournaments long running success.
“On behalf of Greater Shepparton City Council, I congratulate the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association on reaching this remarkable milestone. For generations, this tournament has brought together young athletes, families and communities from across Victoria and beyond, creating lifelong memories both on and off the court,” he said.
“Each year the tournament has brought visitors to our region, supported local businesses and highlighted Greater Shepparton as a leading destination for sporting events.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of countless volunteers, officials, coaches and players who have helped make the tournament one of the region’s premier junior sporting events.”
Greater Shepparton Basketball Association Operations Manager, Tony Long, acknowledged the 50th anniversary milestone.
“This year, the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association proudly celebrates 50 years of Junior Tournaments, a milestone that reflects five decades of developing young talent and creating lasting basketball memories,” he said.
“For half a century, our tournaments have showcased some of Australia’s most promising junior basketballers, providing a platform where aspiring athletes test themselves against the very best. Many have continued their journey through elite pathways before representing Australia and competing on the national and international stage.”
“Among those who have graced our courts are current NBA star Dyson Daniels, NBA player Johnny Furphy, and Australian Opals representative and local product Maddie Garrick. These are just a few examples of the exceptional talent that has been part of our tournament’s proud history,” Mr Long said.
“As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we honour the thousands of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and families whose passion and commitment have made the GSBA Junior Tournaments one of Australia’s most respected and enduring junior basketball events.”
Information about the tournament can be found at gsba.com.au/tournaments
