Local heroes win national competition

Yandeyarra Buccs beat off competition from around the country to lift the men’s A-grade title at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Basketball Championships held in Adelaide last week.

Three Pilbara teams travelled to the event — the Buccs, Hedland Bulls and Mayuga Majik — and dominated the sixth annual competition at Starplex Stadium.

Buccs and Majik squared off in a memorable grand final.

At half-time, Majik led by 16 points but a stunning turnaround saw the Buccs claw their way back into the game to lift the title.

Majik overcame Bulls in the semifinal and a 21-point victory against South Australia ensured a third-place finish.

Over 40 teams entered the competition, and 12 teams contested the A-grade men’s competition.