Binar Futures Great Southern basketball carnival and health embassy attracts more than 80 teams

The Great Southern Basketball Carnival was “bigger than ever” this year with more than 80 teams taking to the courts at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on the weekend.

Players from across the State, including the Great Southern and South West and as far as the Kimberley, descended on the region for the annual tournament, which returned to Albany from January 17-19.

The mixed under-10s played the tightest grand final of the carnival with Binar Green’s Ezra Hayden scoring the first points of the game and the team hanging on to their advantage to defeat Binar Moorditj 21-20.

Arlo Yarran was a standout scorer in the Lakers under-12 boys’ team, shooting 22 of the team’s 44 points in their grand final-winning game, with Akiesha-May Little following suit in the under-12 girls’ grand final, scoring 16 points out of the winning 26 for Binar Green girls.

The Denmark Magpies took out the under-14 boys’ competition, winning the grand final by 13 points, and Bloodline came out on top for the under-14 girls.

The Pistons under-16 boys beat Binar white 33-24 and Binar White took out the under-16 girls’ division, defeating Sonics 36-19 with Sharntay Westburg and Imogen Buckley scoring 10 points apiece.

The Hornets won the under-18 boys’ competition, with Zaiazlyn Hart a standout scorer, and the Lakers brought home the win in the under-18 girls, scoring six out of the seven baskets in the second half.

Organised by Binar Futures, the event aims to promote youth health and development among Indigenous children through sport, culture and connection to land with this year’s edition delivered in partnership with South West Aboriginal Medical Service, giving young regional players an opportunity to get advice from health professionals for free.

Binar Futures founder Adam Desmond said he was excited to help young people access better health care.

“Together, we can create opportunities for them to thrive, both on and off the basketball court,” he said.

“By combining sports with health and cultural connection, we’re building a foundation for future leaders who are proud of their identity and community.”

SWAMS chief executive Lesley Nelson said she was “thrilled” to be involved with Binar Futures’ “incredible work

. . . to inspire and empower future generations”.

“Binar Futures is making a real difference in the lives of our young people, providing opportunities to develop their skills, confidence, and connection to their health and community,” she said.