WESTERN Australia has claimed a tough 16-point win over Queensland at the School Sports Australia Basketball Under-16 Boys Championships on Wednesday morning.

With the tournament being held on the Gold Coast, Wednesday marked the final day before finals kicked off earlier today.

Wednesday’s matchup was largely a one-sided affair, with Western Australia jumping out to an early lead in the opening minutes of the match, never surrendering the lead en route to a dominant showing ahead of the finals.

Western Australia (89) def. Queensland (73)

It was the perfect start for the West Australians, who leapt out to an 8-0 lead after scoring inside early before knocking down back to back triples, with Lachlan Burnett finding his rhythm from behind the arc.

It was all one-way traffic as WA began to assert dominance on the offensive glass as well. Queensland steadied with some much needed baskets, but Western Australia maintained its lead at the first change.

The Western Australians continued their dominance, and pushed the lead out to 20 points in seemingly no time at all. At the main break, it was a 21-point game, with plenty of work ahead of Queensland in the second half.

There was certainly a change from Queensland in the second half, playing with much more energy and pace in transition. By attacking the paint with intent, the deficit was cut back down to five points as time ran out in the third quarter. After calling an important timeout, Western Australia steadied to lead by 10 points at the final change, but it was still anyone’s game.

Although Queensland kept itself in the game with some crafty makes, a late charge from Western Australia sealed the result, cruising home to a 16-point victory, a result that was largely set up on the back of a blistering start.

Under-16 Boys

Day Five

New South Wales (88) def. Australian Capital Territory (47)
South Australia (79) def. Victoria (69)

Finals – Day One

Western Australia (97) def. South Australia (76)
New South Wales (100) def. Queensland (67)

Under-16 Girls

Day Five

New South Wales (76) def. Australian Capital Territory (45)
Western Australia (45) def. by Queensland (91)
South Australia (55) def. by Victoria (69)

Finals – Day One

New South Wales (96) def. South Australia (71)
Queensland (84) def. Victoria (75)

Finals – Day Two

Western Australia (82) def. Australian Capital Territory (66)