ONE of the biggest highlights of HoopsFest in Western Australia this weekend is the inclusion of the 2024 Under-18 Club Championships, which began on Tuesday at HBF Arena in Joondalup.

The best U18 clubs will go head to head from Tuesday to Sunday, as a National Champion will be crowned on the final day of proceedings.

The action began yesterday, and it was the Keilor Thunder that snagged an early win in the Girls competition early in the piece. The Thunder faced off against the Warwick Senators in the first clash of the tournament for both sides, with Warwick able to draw upon the home crowd during the match as it was held in its home state, but Keilor emerged winners.

The Thunder showed that no matter the venue, they were up to the task in a clash that was evenly matched at times. Although both teams had a chance to win it over the course of four quarters, Keilor delivered when it mattered most en route to an eight-point win, 50-42.

For the Thunder, sharpshooter Alyssa Rodriguez fired on the scoring front, leading all-comers with 14 points for the match. She nailed four triples and was a serious threat from behind the arc to help the Thunder secure the perfect start to the tournament.

Also impressing was Zara Cheel, who was aggressive with ball in hand and was rewarded for her efforts with 10 points, while Amy Cullen was not far behind, posting nine points to round out a dangerous trio for Keilor.

On Warwick’s side of things, Keira Reilly was exceptional, almost dragging her team over the line with 15 of the Senators’ 42 points for the match. Going to work on the offensive end, she was a one-woman show at times, and looks set for a big tournament.

The action continues on Wednesday, with another big group of clashes set to take place, highlighting the bright future of Australian basketball.

U18 Girls Club Championships

Joondalup Wolves (48) def. by Norths Bears (69)
Rockingham Flames (36) def. by Hills Hornets (61)
Sandringham Sabres (76) def. Perry Lakes Hawks (43)
Melbourne Tigers (92) def. Binar (44)
Lakeside Lightning (46) def. by Cockburn Cougars (69)
Canberra (55) def. by Sandringham Sabres (80)
Tasmania Tigers (21) def. by Melbourne Tigers (88)
Norths Bears (74) def. Binar (52)
Hills Hornets (44) def. by Perry Lakes Hawks (53)
West Adelaide Bearcats (90) def. Lakeside Lightning (31)
Keilor Thunder (49) def. by Cockburn Cougars (62)

U18 Boys Club Championships

Binar (74) def. by Perry Lakes Hawks (88)
Central Districts Lions (63) def. Frankston Blues (60)
Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy (41) def. by Dandenong Rangers (101)
West Adelaide Bearcats (61) def. East Perth Eagles (70)
Canberra (60) def. by Warwick Senators (70)
Joondalup Wolves (46) def. by Diamond Valley Eagles (67)
Tasmania Devils (42) def. by Knox Raiders (84)
Kalamunda Eastern Suns (81) def. Cockburn Cougars (71)
Cockburn Cougars (91) def. Tasmania Devils (74)
Willetton Tigers (82) def. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (79)