Sport
2 February, 2026
Teens undefeated champs
FOR a group of Far North Queensland teenagers, the 2026 AAU Brisbane Classic offered a timely reminder of what young people from Cairns can achieve when commitment, opportunity and strong development pathways come together.
Played across four days from 22 to 26 January, the Brisbane Classic brought together around 80 teams from across Australia, competing across age groups from under-12 through to under-18.
Hosted under the Amateur Athletic Union banner, the tournament is widely regarded as a valuable development opportunity for junior players, providing a high-quality tournament environment and exposure to a wide range of competition styles.
Students from Cairns State High School’s basketball centre of excellence program featured across multiple teams and divisions throughout the tournament, each representing their hometown with pride.
Of those players, Joe Steer and Thurston Bosuen played for the Brisbane Royals in the under-16 elite division and produced a standout campaign, finishing as undefeated champions of their division. Their success reflected disciplined teamwork and strong basketball fundamentals.
Harrison Smith competed in the under-14 elite division with the Pacifika team and finished the tournament as divisional champions.
Adding to the family achievement, his sister Isabella Smith, also a Cairns State High School student, competed with the Pacifika under-14 girls team, who also claimed their division title.
Cairns’ talent was further represented in the BNE Royals under-16 challenger division, with locals Baxta Hunt and Max Browning and former Cairns State High School students Warrick Taylor and Orlando Humphries taking to the court.
Highlighting the opportunities that can emerge from sustained performance and dedication, the two are now recipients of basketball scholarships at Churchie and Brisbane Boys’ College.
For many of these players, tournaments such as the AAU Brisbane Classic align with longer-term aspirations, including the goal of one day attending college in the United States on a basketball scholarship.
The experience offers valuable perspective on the standards required, both on and off the court, and the opportunity to become visible to college scholarship scouts.
When the tournament concluded, the players returned to Cairns and stepped straight into the first day of the school year.
They brought home more than results, carrying fresh experience and motivation back into local clubs and school competitions.
At a time when negative narratives about youth often dominate public conversation, these young athletes represented Cairns with pride.
Their efforts reflect the strength of local pathways, the importance of community support and a positive future for junior basketball in the Far North.
