Moray Mavericks Basketball Club say their sport is thriving in the north after success of junior ‘mini-ball’ series and forthcoming Highland Basketball League being staged at Moray Sports Centre

A basketball coach says the sport is thriving in Moray and the Highlands, with a series of events involving children and adults proving to be a big success.

On Saturday the Moray Mavericks Basketball Club hosted the last of a series of youth ‘mini-ball’ competitions for under-10 and under-12 age groups.

The tourney at Elgin High School saw 15 teams from across the north play against each other in an event placing emphasis on fun and enjoyment of competing in a sport.

“This is the best that basketball has ever been in the area,” said Mavericks club coach Jamie Alexander.

“There’s so many club members supporting these events and so many now registered with the club.

“We also have a high retention of club members and this reflects the passion and commitment of all the coaches at the club.”

Clubs represented on the day included Wester Ross Stags, Inverness Lions, Highland Bears, Forres Tigers as well as the hosting Moray Mavericks, who entered two under-10 and two under-12 sides - including a girls’ team.

Mavericks are keen to attract more females to the sport, with under-12 Jessica Stewart saying it was great to be part of a girls’ basketball team.

“I enjoyed playing against other teams and have made new friends,” she said.

Moray Mavericks have more than 140 club members attending weekly coaching sessions and are looking for more members, players, coaches and volunteers.

Chairman Graham Stewart helped organise the mini-ball series and said: “It has been great fun welcoming so many teams to Moray and seeing our own players develop in confidence through these events.

“Watching our basketball family grow, with more volunteers officiating and running the score boards on the day, has been excellent and we really appreciate them giving up their time and talents.”

Adult basketball players at all of the north clubs will be competing in this month’s Senior Highland League, sponsored by North East Financial Planning Ltd.

The league will be contested over one full day of basketball hosted by Mavericks at Moray Sports Centre on Saturday, March 15.

The Moray club also hopes to stage their annual Primary School Basketball Festival in May, on a date soon to be confirmed.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Moray Mavericks can visit their website or send a message to 07972178790.