In a heart-in-your-mouth type of result, the Benalla Breakers’ under-16 boys squad endured a bitter one-point semi final loss at the Wodonga Junior Basketball Tournament earlier this month.

The young Breakers, who finished second in their division one pool to qualify for finals, were left reeling when home-town darlings Wodonga, who trailed by three with 30 seconds on the clock, sunk two free throws and a two pointer to snatch victory by a single point.

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In a huge result for Benalla basketball, the Breakers ushered three teams to semi final appearances throughout the junior tournament.

Joining the under-16s were the under-12 boys division two team and under-14 girls division three side, who both lost their respective semi finals.

In other Breakers’ results, the under-14 boys division one team produced a solid campaign throughout their regular rounds - 1-2, though both losses came within 10 points - before going on to win a consolation final against Wagga Heat.

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The under-14 and under-16 boys division three teams struggled to surge up the ladder, but showed strong signs of development, while the under-18 girls division one team, fresh off a grand final victory in Bendigo, finished third before losing a consolation final to Albury by a single basket.

Players who shone across the weekend were under-18 competitor Gertie McCallum, who averaged 9.25 points a game, while under-14 gun Zach Schluter proved consistent with an average of 7.75 points per game.

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