Silver Medal NJC Success for McKinnon Cougars U12 Boys
The McKinnon Cougars' Under 12 Boys have capped off an outstanding National Junior Classic campaign, finishing as National Junior Classic Silver Medallists after a remarkable run to the Gold Medal Game.
The result matches the best National Junior Classic finish in McKinnon Cougars history and represents a significant achievement for the players, coaches and families involved.
It is also a reflection of the work put in by Head Coach Bill Runchey and Assistant Coach Ollie Ledger throughout the season, whose commitment to player development has helped shape the group both on and off the court, providing an environment where athletes have been able to learn, improve and challenge themselves against some of the best junior talent in the country.
The achievement also highlights the strength of McKinnon's development pathway, with nine of the ten athletes having progressed through either the association's Future Cougars and Rep Ready programs or selected as a double-bottom player before earning selection in the Under 12 representative program.
After opening the tournament with a loss to eventual champions Diamond Valley, the Cougars responded impressively. Consecutive victories over Sutherland (68-56) and South Adelaide (56-43) secured a place in the championship bracket and laid the foundation for an impressive finals run.
In the Quarter Final against Knox, the Cougars trailed by five points at half-time before producing one of their strongest performances of the tournament after the break. McKinnon turned the game around to secure a convincing 58-40 victory and advance to the Semi Finals.
The challenge only increased in the Semi Finals, but McKinnon again delivered. After leading by just two points at half-time against Casey, the Cougars dominated the second half, holding the Cavaliers to only 11 points after the break on the way to a commanding 57-34 victory and a berth in the championship decider.
The win secured McKinnon's first National Junior Classic Grand Final appearance since 2015 and set up a rematch with Diamond Valley.
Waiting in the Gold Medal Game was the same Diamond Valley side that had handed McKinnon its only loss of the tournament two days earlier.
McKinnon matched the Eagles throughout the opening half and took a 26-22 lead into the main break. The Cougars extended their advantage early in the third quarter before Diamond Valley responded to regain the lead.
The margin remained within a single possession deep into the final quarter as McKinnon continued to apply pressure before eventually falling 54-49 in a hard-fought championship contest.
While the title was ultimately decided by just five points, the result could not overshadow an exceptional tournament from the group.
The silver medal finish also carries significant historical importance for McKinnon Basketball.
The 2025/26 Under 12 Boys became just the second McKinnon team to reach a National Junior Classic Gold Medal Game, matching the achievement of the club's 2015 Under 12 Boys team, which also finished with silver medals.
While a number of McKinnon teams have represented the club at the prestigious tournament over the years, only a select few have finished inside the top four. This group now joins that list, securing one of the strongest representative results in Cougars history.
The team will now turn its attention back to the Victorian Championship season, returning to the court on Friday night looking to build on the momentum gained from an outstanding National Junior Classic campaign.
Congratulations to all players, coaches, team staff and families on an exceptional tournament and a result that will be remembered as one of the finest achievements in McKinnon Basketball history.