Echuca’s Leti Walker (pictured) and Archie Saunders competed at Basketball Victoria’s Country Jamboree, held at Echuca Stadium. Photos: Jordan Townrow
For those unaware, basketball season is basically here.
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Echuca Moama Basketball Association has hosted one of Basketball Victoria’s premier tournaments, the Country Jamboree.
Five EMBA athletes were selected for the Gold Nugget Camp in Ballarat and the men’s and women’s CBL seasons are right around the corner.
A senior Pirates women’s team will return to the hardwood after a five-year absence.
To top it off, EMBA is hosting its annual tournament this weekend, with a record number of 139 teams participating.
You can sense the excitement in the air when talking to EMBA president Lisa Baker, a busy volunteer catching her breath after another successful Jamboree.
The four-day tournament delivered quality on the court, supported by refereeing Baker said was “outstanding”, while an electric atmosphere was present in the stands at Echuca Stadium.
Probably the best part was Pirates duo Leti Walker and Archie Saunders being among the 240 competitors.
Echuca’s Archie Saunders in action at the Jamboree.
“You go to a skills day, and then you get selected from there, but where the hub is, they only get a certain amount of picks from quite a few associations, so it's quite difficult to get into,” Baker said.
“So, it was a real testament to Leti and Archie's hard work and dedication to be picked.”
Given the competitive selection process, there must be some high expectations surrounding the duo?
“Yeah look, they've worked really hard, and they're natural athletes as well, which really helps,” Baker said.
“They’re just really passionate about basketball, which is awesome.”
Sale’s Cleo Avery goes for the steal on Sunbury’s Amelia Redway.
Those familiar with Leti know she’s the younger sibling of Arli and Cody Walker, two talented sportsmen in basketball and football, respectively.
Leti’s father Andrew also doesn’t need much of an introduction to locals.
The Walker name and sporting accomplishment just continues to go hand in hand.
Geelong’s Oscar Mochon takes the shot.
Meanwhile, one gander at Saunders’ PlayHQ records from this year reveal a gifted scorer, who also displays his talents in football and cricket.
They weren’t the only two EMBA athletes donned with a significant selection recently.
Sophie Fraser, Millie Reynolds, Patrick Smith, Archie Flanigan and Albie Brewis have all just participated in the Victorian Country Gold Nugget Camp in Ballarat.
The quintet also beat out some serious competition, reflected in Baker describing the selections as “phenomenal”.
Mildura’s Laurene-Marian Lazo dribbles down the court.
The one-day camps essentially act as trials, with each local player potentially on the cusp of being picked for the prestigious, statewide Southern Cross Challenge or Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup.
“That's like the pinnacle of where they've got to go to,” Baker said.
Beau Russell of Lakes Entrance in-bounds the ball.
And there’s more on the agenda in basketball this weekend, with EMBA’s annual tournament taking place.
It’s an event Baker takes a lot of pride in.
Melton’s Adhel Meen shoots the three.
“We get a lot of feedback saying that this is one of the favourite tournaments that associations come to,” she said.
“I think because it's a three-day tournament, the weather's usually pretty good.
“It's the start of the new Pirates season and everyone's ready to get excited and kick off for the 2026-27 squad season.”
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