Three Macedon Ranges teenagers played key roles as Victoria Country broke through for its first under-18 national championship in 35 years.
Sonny Maxwell, Alex Gray and Sam Haslett, who all play for the Sunbury Jets, were part of the team that defeated NSW Metro in the grand final.
NSW Metro had beaten the Vic Country team earlier in the tournament, but Country was able to turn the tables, winning the grand final, 83-74.
Maxwell scored 18 points in the gold medal run, while the commentators thought Grey was among the best on court.
For all three boys it was a pretty special moment.
“It felt surreal to win a national championship for Vic Country that hasn’t been done in over 35 years,” Maxwell said. “The energy felt electric leading up to the tournament but especially the gold medal game.
“I felt I played pretty well and brought a positive impact to the squad.”
Haslett said it was a really great feeling knowing that they had achieved history.
“We always felt like we could win, never a doubt in our minds that we would finish anywhere lower,” he said.
“We had such a bond with each other. We have been preparing as a group for the past few months so as soon as we stepped out to play we knew we could win.”
Gray said it hadn’t sunk in what they had been able to do yet.
“We were confident in our preparation and gameplans, that if we played the way we wanted and were focused on us then it wouldn’t be an easy game for anyone playing us,” he said.
“I think I played well, was very good defensively and believe I contributed a lot to the team’s success by playing in my role as did everyone in the group as it was a whole effort together.”
Having three players from one club in a national championship side is rare.
Showing the talent the Jets have on show, another two Jets, Christian Beecroft and Finn McGinty were emergencies for the team and trained all the way up to the tournament with the team.
Maxwell, Gray and Haslett know it’s special to be able to achieve what they did together and that they can inspire the next generation of players in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
“It’s crazy to think that I was able to do this with people I’ve grown up with and played with my whole life,” Maxwell said.
“It brings a real positive impact to our community to pave the way for the younger boys in our area.”
Haslett said, “winning with Sonny and Alex is like a dream come true, especially since they’re my best mates.
“That makes it even more special. The talent in the Sunbury-Macedon area is growing and it’s great to see the younger boys and girls developing to be stars.”
Gray said it was nice to see the reward the group had put in over the years pay off.
“It was superb to be able to win the title with two of my best mates, as we’d worked really hard together for so long and to be able to see the work we’ve put in be rewarded and to experience it together was just something special for sure.”
For the trio, the hard work doesn’t end there.
All are part of the Sunbury Jets Victorian Junior Basketball League under-18 side which is aiming for a title.
They are also all part of the Jets Big V championship side.
