Central Coast Basketball Celebrates Double Championship Glory

The Central Coast basketball community is celebrating a historic weekend after two of its rising teams – the Central Coast Crusaders Youth Women 2 and the Central Coast Rebels U12 Boys – claimed state titles in dominant fashion, marking a milestone moment for the region’s basketball development.

Crusaders Youth Women 2 Make History

In their debut season, the Central Coast Crusaders Youth Women 2 team etched their name into the record books by claiming the 2025 Waratah League Youth Women 2 Championship. With a commanding 74-60 victory over the Hills Hornets, the team delivered a statement performance in front of a passionate home crowd at Guzman y Gomez Stadium in Terrigal.

Led by the dynamic Alyssa Haremaker, who was named Grand Final MVP, the Crusaders showcased high-energy basketball and disciplined teamwork that overwhelmed their opponents. Their win capped off a dream season and set a powerful precedent for the club’s women’s program.

Their success extended beyond the court, with multiple honours at the Basketball NSW Awards:

  • Wade Smith – Youth Women 2 Coach of the Year

  • Ella Morgan – Youth Women 2 All-Star 5

  • Zali Sims – Youth Women 2 League MVP and All-Star 5

Head Coach Wade Smith couldn’t hide his pride:

“To bring home the championship in our first year in the league, and to be recognised across multiple Basketball NSW awards, is something truly special. These players have worked incredibly hard and shown what’s possible when talent and dedication come together. I couldn’t be prouder of this group.”

Rebels U12 Boys Claim State Championship

Meanwhile, the Central Coast Rebels U12 Boys delivered their own slice of history, claiming the 2025 Basketball NSW State Championship with a dominant 80-61 win over the Sydney Comets.

The high-octane final saw the Rebels take control early and never let up, combining suffocating defence with a balanced offensive attack to cruise to a 19-point victory over a strong Comets outfit. The performance was the culmination of a standout season that also saw the team take out the North Eastern Junior League title in July, securing their ticket to the State Championships.

Head Coach Chris Ohlback applauded his team’s focus and determination:

“From day one, these boys have worked for this moment. They played with heart, stuck to the game plan, and rose to every challenge. Beating a quality side like the Comets by that margin is no small feat. I couldn’t be prouder.”

A Bright Future for Central Coast Basketball

These twin championships highlight the strength and depth of talent developing on the Central Coast and signal a bright future for both the Crusaders and Rebels programs. With dedicated coaching, strong club culture, and a growing player base, Central Coast basketball continues to make waves at the state level – and beyond.