Cougars Bound for National Junior Classic
The McKinnon Cougars Under 12.1 Boys will represent the association at the 2026 National Junior Classic after earning qualification through their strong start to the Victorian Championship season.
Widely regarded as one of Australia's premier junior basketball tournaments, the National Junior Classic brings together 128 of the country's leading teams for three days of competition at the State Basketball Centre. Teams from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia will compete across the King's Birthday long weekend in one of the most prestigious events on the junior basketball calendar.
McKinnon secured its place in the tournament after compiling an 8-1 record through the opening nine rounds of the Victorian Championship season, sitting second on the ladder and establishing itself as one of Victoria's leading Under 12 Boys programs.
The Cougars roster features:
#1 Oliver Backman
#3 Axel Lidstrom
#6 Jack Ille
#7 Louis Hall
#19 Daniel Peng
#20 Oliver Betts
#21 Jack Skinner
#23 Ikemba Akano
#31 Jack Lalor
#74 Jackson Backman
The team is led by Head Coach Bill Runchey, Assistant Coach Oliver Ledger and Team Manager Helen Skinner.
The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for the group to test itself against some of the best junior teams from around Australia while gaining experience in a national tournament environment.
McKinnon will begin its campaign against Diamond Valley before taking on Sutherland later on Saturday. The Cougars will then face South Adelaide on Sunday morning to conclude pool play.
The McKinnon Basketball community congratulates the Under 12 Boys on their qualification and wishes the team every success at the 2026 National Junior Classic.
Fixture
Round 1: vs Diamond Valley Eagles
Saturday 6 June, 11:10am
State Basketball Centre – Court 9Round 2: vs Sutherland Sharks
Saturday 6 June, 4:30pm
State Basketball Centre – Court 16Round 3: vs South Adelaide Panthers
Sunday 7 June, 8:30am
State Basketball Centre – Court 1
All National Junior Classic matches will be streamed live via Basketball Victoria TV.