The program is run every Thursday night from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and has been going for six months. The program focuses on skills, team-work, drills, games and fun, and is a massive hit with many athletes enjoying themselves, including McIntyre.

McIntyre said it's the best hour of her week.

"I always look forward to Thursday because it's undoubtedly the best hour of my week," McIntyre said.

"I love the sport of basketball and it reminds me of what we can do to give back to the community and I am exceptionally grateful to be running this program.

"Seeing these athletes being there and being around their friends and having fun is excellent. That's an important thing in life and sometimes we forget that."

McIntyre's father, Gary Bird, created a program in country Victoria for people with disabilities, and has an award named after him at Victorian Country Basketball, "The Gary Bird Award for outstanding contribution by a Male to diversity and inclusion."

The award goes to an individual who actively promotes diversity and inclusive excellence and has made an exemplary and outstanding contribution through a sustained commitment to improving opportunities for the diverse communities they serve.

McIntyre is looking at incorporating a tournament, with the first one on July 28, following on from her father's work.

"My family is going to donate a shield, "The Gary Bird" shield, and we are hoping to get athletes from Bendigo and Ballarat and other areas to play for it," McIntyre proudly said.

"It is something I can carry on in his name and something I can do in his memory. He was passionate about highlighting disabilities and inclusivity in the community.

"The day will be a fun one for everyone. We will have a barbecue for the players, we will have music roaring and even if it's my athletes playing against each other, we are going to have the best day and have fun. That's ultimately what it is about."

In conjunction with the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, who run the Wimmera Whippets program, McIntyre wants to get the word out and about and encourages anyone to join, not only the Thursday program, but also the July 28 tournament.

"Anyone can reach out to me or they can reach out to Horsham Basketball Association - whichever one suits them," McIntyre said.

"Just get in touch, come down and have some fun. There are all different types of levels and it's for anyone. You won't be disappointed. You will also make some great, lifelong friends."

To contact Rebecca, E-Mail: womenscoaching@horshambasketball.com.au or info@horshambasketball.com.au

The two boys have been best mates throughout Primary School and are currently at the Warracknabeal Secondary College and share a strong passion for basketball.

The duo has developed their skills over the years through their involvement in the Warracknabeal Wildcats squad teams under the close eye of coach Brad Krahe.

The boys ventured to Hamilton on March 23 this year for a Basketball Victoria Skills day in which they were selected to progress into the U/14 Basketball Victoria Future Development Program.

A number athletes from Horsham have also been selected to participate: Ruby Bethune, Luella Burke, Lexi Kleinitz, Rani Potter, Nate Bacon, Noah Cook, Xavier Skurrie, Chavi Sulic, Elliot Tippet and Baxta Wade.

This program will involve the athletes training twice a week in Horsham and attending two basketball camps in Hamilton, the first on Friday, May 3.

Tyler and Tobias are working hard and have high hopes of selection for the next stage - The Golden Nugget Junior Development Camp in September school holidays.

The Golden Nugget Junior Development Camp brings all the players together where they will be picked for selection to the 2025 Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) and Southern Cross Challenge (SCC).

Tyler's parents, Mick and Deb Templeton and Tobias's parents John and Amy Arnel along with coach Brad Krahe are excited to see how far these boys can progress.

Held earlier this month in Mildura, the Under 14 boys and girls' sides, coached by Tim Wade and Jordyn Burke respectively, joined 86 other teams to contest the Title.

The Under 14 boys made the Division Three quarter final, defeated by Shepparton, while the Under 14 girls also made it to the Division One quarter final, losing to Wodonga.

Coach Burke said the girls did an amazing job.

"I am proud of them and they competed at a high level," Burke said.

The Under 12 boys and girls teams travelled to Bendigo the following week for their Championships.

Coached by Glen Taylor, the Under 12 Boys have been building culture as a team, as well as working on skills over the season at both tournaments and training.

"We played seven games in total with some close games," Taylor said.

"The team lost the qualifying final by only three points with the opposition commenting on our defence.

"The boys should be proud of their season and a big thank you to player's commitment to improving and dedication to training."

Aari Mellington was the coach of the Under 12 Girls and said the side have been an incredible team all season.

"The Junior Country Championship was on different level compared to what we were used to and we came up against some incredibly polished and tough competition," Mellington said.

"Unfortunately, the weekend didn't go how we would have liked it to, however the team did not make it easy on the opposition, playing incredibly well no matter what the result.

"I was proud of the team through the whole weekend and I'm sure they all took valuable experience from it going into next season."

The selection comes off the back of an outstanding season for Polish club Gorzów Wielkopolski in Poland's top professional league, Poland-OLBK.

The 25-year-old was named MVP and selected in the All Star five in a season in which she scored 498 points with an average of 20.9, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 24 games as Gorzow Wielkopolski finished runner up to Polkowice.

The club also played in the Eurocup where they made the quarterfinals, losing to Turkish club Galatasaray. Bibby was fifth on the leading scoring in that competition with 220 points.

Bibby said that she is honoured to be selected.

"I feel very honoured. Anytime you get picked in any squad in the short list, or final squad, feels great and I am really honoured to be recognised in that," Bibby said.

Bibby's highlight in the 2023/2024 season was a buzzer beater in the Euroleague against Slovakian club Piestanske Cajky.

With the scores tied 81 a-piece with 1.2 seconds left, Bibby received the ball from teammate, Elena Tsienke and pulled off a remarkable shot to win the game.

"It was great to win the game and you always want to be given that opportunity and it was a cool feeling and a lot of fun," Bibby recalled.

Bibby enjoyed Europe and will be looking to go there again later in the year.

"I went to quite a few places around Europe. Poland is great and a great country. It was awesome," Bibby said.

"It was a very physical league with great players. It was competitive and really fun."

"I won't decide where I play until middle of the year. I will try and work out the best opportunity."

"There are a lot of great leagues in Europe and I am excited to see what I am offered and go from there. I have the right people working for me to get me the best opportunity."

Bibby will now set her sights to NBL1 where she is playing for the Ballarat Miners.

The Miners kickstarted their season with a loss against Bendigo Braves on Wednesday, April 3 and recently on Sunday, April 7, Chloe played her first match of the season and they defeated Geelong 95-85.

Bibby produced a double-double scoring 22 points with 11 rebounds in the victory.

Bryan had an outstanding season, not only defensively but offensively, as he finished fourth highest in points this season with 262.

McKenzie was the only Hornets player in the men's 'All Star' team which featured Mt Gambier duo Simon Berkefeld and Tom Daly, Millicent's Jack Haggett and Portland's Nathan Hardingham.In the women's team, Olivia Jones as the second leading scorer was named alongside the Iredell sisters.

Portland's duo Tyleah Barr and Millie Jennings were named alongside them as well as Mt Gambier star, Tenielle Human.

Scott Benbow said Cody Bryan was outstanding this season.

"He was unlucky not to be in the All-Star Five," he said.

"To get defensive player and be a top-four scorer showed what an unbelievable season he had.

"Our MVP is going to be between him and Austin and I have no idea who will win. It will be close."

The Hornets host their MVP award on Saturday March 2.

A massive crowd of approximately 500 witnessed an unbelievable, fast-paced action game of basketball.

The Hornets were up and about early as Matt Brown in his final game was landing baskets as Horsham took a one-point lead into the quartertime break.

The Hornets then extended that lead to eight points at halftime.

The Lakers started to land shots mainly thanks to Simon Berkefeld and Tom Daly and they leveled the scores at three-quarter time.

The last quarter was hotly contested as the Lakers started to take control landing nearly every shot they took. The Hornets fought to the end, but the Lakers were too strong running out 12-point winners, 100-88.

Simon Berkefeld was named MVP with his 37 points. Tom Daly scored 24. For the Hornets, Matthew Brown top-scored with 25.

Hornets coach Scott Benbow said it was an unbelievable game.

"That was one hell of a game. We had beers with Mt Gambier after the game and Berkefeld said that he loved everything about it and it was easily the best game of the year," Benbow said.

"Obviously I'm a bit disappointed. In the final minute and a half, I said to Matt Lovel what can we do and he said 'nothing, they are just making every shot.'"

"We were beaten by the better side in the last quarter."

Benbow said despite the loss he is proud of the boys.

"I could not be any prouder of them. They gave everything they had," Benbow said.

"Brown's game was amazing with 25 points. We knew they would focus on Aussie and Cody, and they double-teamed Cody and Matty got in the right spots."

When asked if he would like to coach again next year, Benbow said he would love to if given the opportunity.

"I would love to stick around if they have me," Benbow said.

"I had a couple of beers with the boys on Sunday as we farewelled Damien Skurrie and Matt Brown and the vibe around the group is to keep everyone together.

"The expectation is next year that we have some younger players like Fred Frew, Hugh Dougherty and Tarkyn Benbow that can step up, so we know we are in a good place."

Benbow would like to thank the crowd and Horsham Basketball for Saturday night.

"The rat pack was fantastic. We have a dozen guys that follow us and their support was amazing," he said.

"The home crowd too was excellent. We are thankful for the support we get. Berkefled mentioned after the game that he will never experience that atmosphere again.

"Horsham Basketball did a fantastic job in having the flashing lights when players entered the court and ladies singing before the game. It's something they do well and everyone had a great night."

Max Bryan also celebrated his 50th game for the club.

The ACJBC is an annual state representative tournament that features upward of 60 teams and 700 players, coaches and officials featuring teams from NSW, SA, VIC, Tasmania and New Zealand in the U14, U16 and U18 age groups.

All three basketballers played in the tournament for the first time and were pivotal for their respective teams.

Potter played for the under-14 Goldminers which won the tournament. She scored 78 points and was their top scorer.

It was her first interstate representative tournament. Before that she played in Jamboree in 2022, a country Victoria tournament in Echuca.

Potter's mum, Jodi Bigmore, said that she enjoyed playing at the higher level and it was a different experience, one which she will remember for a long time.

"She felt she got better and better as the week went on," Jodi said.

"There were team meetings, team plays and reviews. She learned a lot and enjoyed playing at a higher level. It was really good for her."

Potter got selected for the Nunawading Spectres in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) which started in December 2023. The VJBL is the premier pathway program for juniors in Victoria.

"She wanted to try out and kept asking if she could go," Jodi said.

"Owen Hughan said she has the ability and needs to play in the VJBL. He organised a tryout for her.

"I wasn't allowed to watch but afterward Rani said she loved it and that is where she is meant to be."

Potter will be playing this year and Jodi is proud of her.

"A lot of kids that play at the high level tend to get intimidated but she isn't. I am very proud of her," Jodi concluded.

Ruby Bethune played for the under-14 Bushrangers which finished third. She scored 39 points, averaging 4.88 a game.

Like Rani, it was her first representative interstate tournament, previously participating in Jamboree for the under-12's.

Ruby's mum, Alana, said that she was nervous to begin with but loved every minute of it.

"She was nervous at first but really enjoyed it. It was not what she was used to. It was all skills-based and a lot of new plays," Alana said.

"The main thing that was different was the intensity in preparation and recovery featuring hot and cold showers and nutrition.

"She is a quiet girl and it was a big thing to stay away for a week but she handled it well. It was a fantastic opportunity and I am so proud of her."

The 15-year-old has been recognised following years of hard work and an excellent Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) in Albury, January 16-20.

Initially named as an emergency for the ACJBC for the second year running, which made him more determined to work harder on his basketball, Levi got the call-up in December and took it with both hands.

In the tournament, Munyard played for the U18 boys Goldminers which made the semi-final, losing to the NSW Kookaburras. He scored 52 points, averaging 6.5 a game.

He played exceptionally well which was enough to be recognised.

Last year, he was named as an emergency with the under-16 state team for the Nationals in Perth after being the only basketballer not to play in the ACJBC. He was close to playing and was on standby but at the last minute the player who he would have been replacing passed his fitness test.

Levi's mum, Amanda, said that Levi is looking forward to the opportunity this year.

"He will be competing with kids that are 12 months older and he is excited about it," Amanda said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and a great experience.

"Hopefully this time next year he will be in the state squad and a lot of work needs to be done for that to happen, but it's a goal he is working towards. He gets an opportunity to train with state squad teams with high-quality kids so it's a great step."

Levi does a lot of work behind the scenes training hard and is in various programs. He trains with Rebecca McIntyre as well as the Cam Bruce Basketball Academy at Horsham College.

Amanda said they are proud of him.

"We are very proud. He puts a huge amount of work in and it's incredible," Amanda said.

"He gets a lot of feedback and it's amazing to watch a child set themselves goals and achieve them. Learning nothing comes free and it makes him more determined to achieve."

Levi plays for the Ballarat Miners in the Victorian Junior Basketball League, which plays games in Melbourne every Friday night.

Alongside those commitments, he also is in the state development program, a year-long program for kids in the state team system.

A typical week for the Munyard household sees Levi go to Ballarat on Monday nights for the state development program, training for the Miners on Tuesday, and then games on Friday nights.

It's a lot of travel and Amanda said they make it work.

"Myself and my husband make it work and we share the driving. It's a big commitment and it's great for Levi," Amanda said.

"It's a long game and it's exciting to see where he could be in 12 months.

"He wouldn't be here without Horsham Basketball behind him. They have done an incredible job."

With a packed stadium cheering them on, the 0-2 record against Portland this year wasn't an issue for the Hornets, as Mitch Martin was landing the three-pointers early with Max Bryan, Austin McKenzie, Cody Bryan and Matt Brown all sensational to help the Hornets to a 27-23 lead at quarter time.

The Hornets scored 21 points to Portland's 14 in the second quarter with Damian Skurrie and Jake Hobbs joining in on the action with four and two points respectively to guide the Hornets to a 48-37 lead at half-time.

In the third quarter, Portland came hard, but the Hornets stayed true, extending the lead to 11 points at three-quarter time.

Portland charged at the Hornets in the last quarter to get within four points, but the Hornets stuck to their game plan withstanding the fightback to win 84-77 to book themselves a grand final berth at home next Saturday against Mt Gambier, who easily disposed of Warrnambool by 20 points.

Cody Bryan led the Hornets with 22 points, whilst Mitch Martin 17, coupled with Austin McKenzie and Matthew Brown with 16 a-piece in a shared performance.

Coach Scott Benbow was ecstatic after the win.

"It's unreal. We got a good start and it set us up for the game," Benbow said.

"It was good to see Mitch get his confidence early and Cody was up and about and it was a bit of a shootout which helped."

The last time they played Portland they had a comfortable lead and when Portland came storming back in the last quarter, Benbow praised the team for sticking to the task.

"With five minutes to go we called that timeout just to get some experience on the court," Benbow explained.

"Matt Lovel was very good in that last quarter. I took Max Bryan out and put Matt in just to steady things. The younger boys were amazing at getting us the lead but we needed a bit of a father figure on the court.

"We had a reset and I told them to trust the process and don't rush the ball. Matt Brown stepped up and made some critical baskets which was great to see."

When asked about the shared shooting between four players, Benbow said it was excellent.

"We have talked about it all year that the ball needs to go through different hands to make it hard on the opposition and it worked. I was very happy," Benbow said.

Unfortunately, the ladies ended their season with a 63-87 point loss against Portland in Portland. Emalie Iredell led the way with 25 points.

With an abundance of youth, the Hornets will learn from the experience and will be challenging in years to come.