Not even a dazzling weekend from a Victorian state representative was enough for the Shepparton Gators to walk away with silverware in the under-16 boys championship division at the weekend.
The young Gators won two of their five matches at the Greater Shepparton Junior Basketball tournament and finished four points from a grand final appearance.
Vic Country under-16 state representative Dashiell Smith was a standout for the junior charges and led the overall division in points scored with 82 for the weekend.
The promising teen made the most threes (seven) and had 18 more points than his nearest rival.
One of Smith’s blistering performances came in the round four thriller against Wodonga Wolves, where the junior chalked up 24 points.
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Nothing but net: Shepparton Gators' Dashiell Smith sinks a three. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 12
Off and running: Shepparton Gators' Lucas O'Hora. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 12
Bring the defensive pressure: Shepparton Gators' Jack Ibrahim. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 12
Showing their support: Shepparton Gators' bench celebrate a clutch Dashiell Smith three. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 12
On its way: Shepparton Gators' Alex Whitlock. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 12
In the zone: Shepparton Gators' Dashiell Smith Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 12
Tight defence: Shepparton Gators' Elijah McLeod. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 12
Let it sail: Shepparton Gators' Spencer Wright. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 9 of 12
Looking ahead: Shepparton Gators' Jack Ibrahim. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 10 of 12
Quick pass: Shepparton Gators' Lucas O'Hora. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 11 of 12
At the foul line: Shepparton Gators' Alex Whitlock. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 12 of 12
Through traffic: Shepparton Gators' Dashiell Smith. Photo by Aydin PayneTeammate Spencer Wright was a classy contributor in the narrow 52-45 defeat and supplied 16 points.
News sports editor Aydin Payne attended the clash against Wolves and captured plenty of action.