Sport
24 October, 2026
Busy season is a slam dunk
THE Cairns Basketball junior summer season got underway last Saturday, with courts across the competition buzzing as hundreds of young players returned for the first round of what promises to be another exciting season.
Round one marked the beginning of the grading rounds, with teams competing in a round-robin format featuring 30-minute games.
The opening weekend gives clubs an opportunity to assess their sides against a range of opposition, helping determine which division each team will compete in for the remainder of the season.
With six clubs entering multiple teams across a range of age groups, the competition is once again shaping up to be a jam-packed season, offering plenty of opportunities for junior players to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy the game alongside their teammates.
For many players, Saturday marked their return to the court after the previous season, while others stepped up into a new age group, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities to test themselves against new opposition.
Cairns Timberwolves club president Michael Hines said he was delighted to see the junior basketball community back in action, highlighting the importance of participation and enjoyment as the season got underway.
“It’s great to see everyone back on the court enjoying themselves and playing the game they love,” he said.
South Cairns Club Phoenix president Lynn Witteveen also welcomed the start of the season, pointing to the excitement surrounding players moving up through the junior ranks.
“It’s exciting to see how all the new players who have moved up an age group adjust,” she said.
The grading rounds will be an important period for clubs and coaches, allowing teams to find their level before settling into their respective divisions.
With a mix of returning players, new faces and athletes adjusting to the demands of a higher age group, the opening weeks will provide valuable experience for everyone involved.
Importantly, the start of the summer competition is only the beginning of a long stretch of junior basketball, with the season scheduled to continue through to the end of term one next school year.
That leaves plenty of games, development opportunities and memorable moments still to come for players, coaches, families and supporters.
With all six clubs back on court and the grading process now underway, Cairns Basketball’s junior competition is off and running, setting the stage for another action-packed season across the region.
Editor’s note: Jake Black is Cairns Basketball’s community engagement and junior development officer.
