McKinnon Officials Set for National Junior Classic

McKinnon Basketball will be strongly represented at the 2026 National Junior Classic, with 10 officials selected by Basketball Victoria to officiate at one of Australia's premier junior basketball tournaments.

Held at the State Basketball Centre across the King's Birthday long weekend, the National Junior Classic brings together the country's best emerging athletes, coaches and officials. Selection to the event recognises the dedication, professionalism and performance of officials throughout the year and is regarded as a significant achievement within Basketball Victoria's officiating pathway.

McKinnon's representatives will fill a range of roles across the tournament, including referees, referee coaches and administration positions.

U12 Competition

• Jake Lasnitzki (First National Junior Classic)

• Julian Rees-Marom (First National Junior Classic)

• Lucas Hornblower (First National Junior Classic)

• Zoe Taylor (First National Junior Classic)

• Maty Morrissey (First National Junior Classic as Referee Coach)

U14 Competition

• Malachy True

• Anne-Marie Barker (Assistant Coordinator)

U16 Competition

• Mischa Murray

• Ruben Vella

U18 Competition

• Dominic Gehrig

For Jake Lasnitzki, Julian Rees-Marom, Lucas Hornblower, Zoe Taylor and Maty Morrissey, the appointment marks their first involvement at the National Junior Classic and an important milestone in their officiating journeys.

The selections highlight the continued strength of McKinnon's referee development program, with officials progressing through Basketball Victoria pathways and earning opportunities to officiate at some of the state's highest-profile junior events.

With more than 380 games scheduled across three days of competition, McKinnon's officials will join their peers from across Victoria in helping deliver the tournament and supporting the next generation of Australian basketball talent.

McKinnon Basketball congratulates all appointed officials on their selection and wishes them every success throughout the 2026 National Junior Classic.