U18 Nationals: QLD South fightback headlines Day 1

• Home side, Queensland South, used a 34-14 final quarter to beat SA Country
• NSW Metro, SA Metro, QLD South and Victoria Metro all finished the opening day undefeated
• See Michael Houben's five key takeaways from day one

Queensland South have used a dominant 34-14 final quarter to escape with a 97-82 win in their Pool A clash against South Australia Country in front of their home fans to headline day one of the 2025 Footlocker Under-18 National Basketball Championships in Brisbane.

South Australia took an early lead, winning the first quarter 24-19 behind Kale Matthews-Hampton's strong start and they maintained their advantage through the second quarter, entering halftime with a 42-39 lead.

Country extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Queensland 26-24 to take a 68-63 advantage into the final period.

However, Queensland South completely transformed the game in the fourth quarter, unleashing a devastating run that turned a five-point deficit into a comfortable 15-point victory.

Andrew Watene was instrumental in Queensland's comeback, finishing with 16 points on 7-from-11 shooting, including a perfect 6-from-9 from two-point range. His efficiency was complemented by five assists and four steals, sparking several fast break opportunities during the decisive fourth-quarter surge.

Queensland's offensive efficiency proved the difference in the contest, shooting 50% from the field (36-from-72) compared to South Australia's 39 percent (32-from-82). Queensland converted at 60% rate on two-point attempts (31-from-51), consistently finding high-percentage scoring opportunities in the paint where they outscored South Australia 62-50.

Despite South Australia's strong rebounding effort, securing 54 boards to Queensland's 42, including 23 offensive rebounds, they couldn't convert them into second chances point.

Queensland South capitalised on their opponent's 19 turnovers, scoring 27 points off their mistakes, while committing just 13 turnovers themselves. The home team's bench also provided a significant advantage, outscoring South Australia's reserves 31-10, with Lennon Bann leading the second unit with 17 points on 7-from-10 shooting.

POOL A RESULTS

Vic Metro def Tasmania 78-66

In one of the games of day one, Jai Fa'ale showed why he is one of the best prospects at the tournament, leading Victoria Metro to a 12-point win over Tasmania with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The defending champions had to work hard for the win with both teams level at 58-all at the end of three-quarters but Matt Shanahan's men dominated the fourth period 20-8 to start their week in fine fashion.

Jack Smith (29 points and seven rebounds) and Mason Ling (20 poins) were standouts for Tasmania.

WA Metro def NSW Country 80-66

Luke Paul's 24 points, six rebounds and four assists led Western Australia Metro to a 14-point win over New South Wales Country.

Both teams matched each other almost basket for basket in the first three quarters before WA Metro pulled away with a 23-11 final quarter.

Marley Sam was also impressive for WA with 16 points. Jayden Tawake had 18 points and eight rebounds for NSW Country.

POOL B RESULTS

NSW Metro def Vic Country 80-76

NSW Metro overcame a two-point deficit at three-quarter time to tip-off their week with a hard-fought four-point win over Victoria Country.

Both teams struggled to take care of the ball with 43 turnovers between them but NSW were able to find another gear when they needed it most.

Five players scored in double figures for NSW, led by Bailey Hanson with 16 points and six rebounds, while Lucas Byrne and William Hamilton both had 16 for Victoria.

SA Metro def WA Country 109-76

Eight players scored in double figures as South Australia Metro recorded a 33-point demolition of WA Country to start their tournament.

SA only held a 19-17 lead at quarter-time but won the middle two quarters 52-36 to run away with the victory.

Mack Schaftenaar led the scoring for SA Metro with 16 points while Billy Mcrae had 30 points and 15 rebounds for WA Country.

QLD North def ACT 86-53

A fast start led Queensland North to a comfortable 33-point win over ACT, allowing coach Rod Anderson to rotate his players for most of the contest.

Five players scored in double figures for North with Taj Goodwin leading the way with 14. Zachary Brown impressed off the bench for ACT with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Vic Country def QLD North 62-56

In a good old-fashioned defensive slugfest, Victoria Country managed to bounce back from their loss earlier on day one to beat a hardnosed Queensland North side by six points.

It was the third quarter that did the damage for the Vics, beating Queensland North 22-13 to five themselves a big enough advantage that they maintained to finish the contest.

William Hamilton (15 points and eight rebounds) did the damage for Country, while Noah Anderson had 16 points for Queensland North.

SA Metro def NT 132-41

Josh Clayton (23 points and 15 rebounds) and Hugh Strachan (21 points) combined for 44 points off the bench as SA Metro dominated Northern Territory by 91 points and finish day one undefeated after two games.

Six players from SA Metro scored in double figures as they surpassed 30 points in every quarter.

Aidan Anstess had 18 points for Northern Territory.