On Wednesday, Encounter’s Open Girls Basketball team travelled to Adelaide to compete in the Division 2 State Finals — and returned home with an outstanding 3rd place in the State. This result marks the most successful achievement by an Encounter girls’ team in at least the past six years, and is a credit to the skill, determination and teamwork of the players involved.

The day began with a tough Semi Final against Kadina Memorial School. The girls produced an excellent first half, going into the main break all square. Their relentless defensive pressure, fast ball movement and willingness to hustle created plenty of problems for Kadina. Unfortunately, a lapse in the third quarter saw Kadina pull away, with the game finishing 41–31. This result placed Encounter into the playoff for 3rd position.

The playoff against Eastern Fleurieu School was a tightly contested game from start to finish. Encounter was tested early with strong defensive challenges and forced turnovers, but the team held firm. In the final quarter, they lifted to another level, producing their best basketball when it mattered most. A strong finish secured a 37–25 victory and a well-deserved place on the podium. Celebratory Yo-Chi afterwards was the perfect way to end a memorable day!

What makes this achievement even more exciting is the composition of the team. While officially an Open side (Years 11–12), the squad included several younger players who stepped up to face older, stronger opponents without hesitation. Their composure, resilience and unity were key to the team’s success, pointing to a bright future ahead for Encounter’s Basketball program.