The 2025 Basketball SA State Championships showcased our elite junior competition, but the event’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of referees, technical officials, and volunteer scorers.
Their commitment to professionalism and integrity throughout the tournament ensured a well-run and competitive environment, allowing players to perform at their best. Their tireless efforts often go unnoticed, but their role is vital to the success of basketball in South Australia.
This year marked a significant step forward in referee development, with the majority of U16 & U18 State Championship games facilitated by three-person officiating crews — a stark contrast to just two years ago, when many matches were run as solos or required SSOs to step onto the court to assist with officiating. This progress underscores the ongoing commitment from Basketball SA to strengthening officiating standards and ensuring a supportive environment for referee growth.
Operations Manager Tom Mitchell expressed his appreciation for their contributions, stating:
“This tournament relies on the dedication of our referees, officials, and volunteers. Their passion and commitment are what keep the game thriving, and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work.”
Referee and Technical Officials Manager Vanessa Devlin also acknowledged their impact, stating:
“I would like to thank the referees and referee coaches for their tireless efforts throughout the year, especially during the State Championships. Being a referee is a hard and thankless job, but I can see how hard they have worked and was impressed with their efforts and teamwork. I’m very proud of what they have achieved so far, and I look forward to working with all referees and referee coaches moving forward.”
Congratulations to all referees who officiated throughout the 2025 State Championships, with particular recognition for those who stepped onto the court for the Grand Finals and the 3v4 Play Off games. These high-stakes matchups required composure, precision, and teamwork, and our officials rose to the challenge, demonstrating professionalism and a deep commitment to the game. Their efforts ensured a fair and competitive environment, allowing the athletes to shine while upholding the integrity of the championships.
Basketball SA remains committed to providing a safe and respectful environment where referees can learn, grow, and develop, ensuring the continued improvement of officiating standards at all levels of the game. This progress would not be possible without the ongoing support from clubs, whose contributions help foster positive experiences for officials at every stage of their journey.
Basketball SA extends a heartfelt thank you to all who played a role in the 2025 State Championships. Their commitment to the game and the community continues to strengthen basketball across the state.
Under 12 Grand Finals Referees
Under 14 Grand Finals Referees
Under 16 Grand Finals Referees
Under 18 Grand Finals Referees
The 2025 State Championships have officially concluded, capping off a massive tournament that brought together South Australia’s best junior basketball talent across 11 venues, 316 minor round games, and 64 finals matchups.
This year’s competition was one of the biggest yet, filled with thrilling finishes, rising stars, and unforgettable moments. From start to finish, the energy was electric, and the standard of play continued to raise the bar.
For the first time, fans could watch the Grand Finals from the newly constructed grandstands at the State Basketball Centre, which had been completed just in time for this historic occasion, and what a view they provided. The State Champions were crowned on Show Courts 1 & 2, adding even more prestige to an already incredible day of basketball.
Basketball SA Operations Manager Tom Mitchell expressed his gratitude for the collective effort that made the Championships such a success:
“A tournament of this scale is only possible thanks to the incredible support of so many.
Thank you to our clubs — including presidents, boards, administrators, coaches, and volunteers — for your vital role in bringing basketball to life. To our referees, SSOs, technical officials, and referee coaches, your professionalism sets the standard for the game. To the players, your talent and sportsmanship made for an unforgettable weekend. And to parents and spectators, your support keeps our basketball community thriving.
It was great to see mostly positive behaviour throughout the weekend, reflecting the strong culture we’re building together.
A special thanks to the Basketball SA Leadership Team and our Competitions, Officials, SSO, Social Media, venue, and events staff for your tireless work in delivering an outstanding tournament.”
🏆 2025 Perpetual Trophy Winners:
Seeley International continued their support of South Australian Referees and Technical Officials in 2025, and they continue honourably sponsoring our ‘Keep Your Cool Award,’ which debuted at the 2023 State Championships. The award is presented to the club whose teams are recognised as displaying the best sportsmanship and respect to their opponents, officials and the game. This year, the Forestville Eagles were the proud recipients of the award.
Now, we proudly announce our Champion and Runner-up teams for Basketball SA’s 2025 State Championships – congratulations to all teams on representing your clubs in the Grand Finals!
Under 12 Boys State – North Adelaide Rockets v Norwood Flames
Under 12 Girls State – Central Districts Lions v Sturt Sabres
Under 12 Boys Reserve – South Adelaide Panthers v West Adelaide Panthers
Under 12 Girls Reserve – Sturt Sabres 1 v Sturt Sabres 2
Under 14 Boys State – North Adelaide Rockets v Sturt Sabres
Under 14 Girls State – Forestville Eagles v Norwood Flames
Under 14 Boys Reserve – South Adelaide Panthers v Sturt Sabres
Under 14 Girls Reserve – South Adelaide Panthers v North Adelaide Rockets
Under 16 Boys State – Forestville Eagles v South Adelaide Panthers
Under 16 Girls State – Norwood Flames v Forestville Eagles
Under 16 Boys Reserve – South Adelaide Panthers v Norwood Flames
Under 16 Girls Reserve – Norwood Flames v Forestville Eagles
Under 18 Boys State – South Adelaide Panthers v Sturt Sabres
Under 18 Girls State – Norwood Flames v North Adelaide Rockets
Under 18 Boys Reserve – South Adelaide Panthers v Forestville Eagles
Under 18 Girls Reserve – West Adelaide Bearcats v Forestville Eagles
Congratulations to all clubs, players, and supporters who made this tournament unforgettable. With so many standout performances and strong community support, the future of South Australian basketball continues to shine bright.
We can’t wait to see how good the 2026 State Champs will be! 🏀
Miss out on your State Championship Merchandise? There is still merchandise available to purchase online. Secure yours now!
Basketball South Australia (Basketball SA) is excited to announce a partnership with PEAQ Conditioning, aimed at further enhancing our Performance Pathways Program. This collaboration combines Basketball SA’s leadership in promoting the sport of basketball with PEAQ’s expertise in integrated health and wellness services.
Through this partnership, Basketball SA and PEAQ Conditioning offers players, coaches, and staff world-class allied health services. PEAQ’s comprehensive approach to health, fitness, and wellness will provide Basketball SA’s community with tailored solutions designed to support athletic performance and overall well-being.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “I’m incredibly excited about our partnership with PEAQ. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Sean Baker previously, and I’ve always admired his attention to detail and his ‘person-first’ philosophy, underpinned by evidence-based approaches to strength and conditioning. Sean and his family represent not just world-class performance but world-class people. Their values align perfectly with ours, and this collaboration will unlock enormous benefits for our athletes, coaches, and programs across South Australia.”
PEAQ’s team of experts will work directly with Basketball SA’s Performance Pathways Leaders to implement a range of services and resources necessary for athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court.
Sean Baker, Founder and Head Coach of PEAQ Conditioning, shared his thoughts on this exciting venture:
“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Basketball SA. We believe that this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide elite physical performance services at all levels of sport in South Australia. Together, we aim to enhance the longevity and physical output of SA’s next generation of basketball talent.”
Basketball SA and PEAQ Conditioning look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have in creating the next generation of elite basketball players and coaches.
