Blazers Basketball est.1991

Blazers Basketball est.1991 Blazers Basketball-supporting & bringing together country players. Purpose & values, through legacy! These teams blazed the trail for future teams to follow.

The Blazers Basketball Club est. 1991 has evolved over the years with a number of variations but what is always the same is a commitment to family values and team principles. Variations have included the Tertiary Trailblazers, the Ashwin Blazers, the Leonora Blazers and Blazers generally. These teams have forged a culture of family togetherness and a brand of basketball that is recognized as selfless. Regardless of the result we come together and celebrate eachother. It is always the journey that is important and the results will take care of itself. Championships are one thing but growth and development as people, healthy relationships and role modeling for the youth are even more important. This is the heart of a Blazer and each contributes to our story and the legacy we leave for the future. The Blazers first started in August 1991 at Shinju Basketball Carnival in Broome. The first teams were called the Tertiary Trailblazers as the players (mostly country) were picked from Aboriginal students attending tertiary institutions including Curtin, UWA, ECU and Addu Dance School. A Women's and Men's team participated, with both teams making the final. The men's team with Player/Coach - Rene' Reddingius, Captain - Fred Murphy, Mickelo McKenzie, Eddie Phillips, Geoffo Drummond, David Saylor, Sean Garvie, Terry Oxenham, Aaron Gilbert (RIP) and the women's team Coach - Rene' Reddingius, Captain - Annette Jaxon, Vanessa Johnson, Vicky Hill, Rose Walley, Portia Wright, Natalie Ward, Cissy Dann. These players started it all. The men's team continued to compete in tournaments throughout the 1990's and became one of the powerhouse teams of that era along with Derby Bulls, Yandeyarra Bulls, Geraldton Mavericks, Mirrabooka Magic, Airforce, Pinjarra. These Blazers never missed the finals in every tournament that they played throughout that decade showing a structure that is built for sustained success. Key players that joined Blazers in this period to help consolidate our legacy were Peter Humphries, Jeff Barnard, Anthony McLardy, Chris Hunter, Doug Bamford, Wayne Simmons, Trevor Ryan, Neil Marshall, Patrick and Andrew Cox. There many others that played over those years especially country players and we thank them all for their contribution. The Blazers played in Stadium competitions particularly Altone Park winning many titles though the late 90"s and early 2000"s. Players carrying the team included Rene' Reddingius, Peter Humphries, Jason Bromfield, Graham Ugle, Stuart Ugle, Ruben Mikaere, Shanon Vos. The Ashwin Blazers are a family basketball team which first played in Geraldton carnival in January 1992. Making the quarter finals, losing controversially to Narrogin made the Blazers hungry for success. Over the next decade success came consistently as the team established themselves as one of the premier basketball teams in the Goldfields. The original team was made up of Darrin Ashwin, Bradley Ashwin, Rene' Reddingius, Alfred Ashwin, Lawrence George, Trevor George, Calvin Ashwin, Trevor Donaldson, Raymond Donaldson, Warren Ashwin (RIP). These players laid the foundation for the Ashwin Blazers. In 1996, Clinton Ashwin organised some uniforms for the Ashwin Blazers with the support of Uncle Jeffrey and Aunty Christine. An exciting period followed with a number of titles coming in tournaments in Kalgoorlie over the next decade. Rivalries were developed first with Maku and then an intense contest over the years with Kalgoorlie. Key players during this period were Darrin Ashwin, Rene' Reddingius, Richard Ashwin, John Yates, Travis Brahim , Raymond Donaldson, Nathan Ashwin (RIP), Gerard Ashwin, Clinton Ashwin, Trevor George, Trevor Donaldson, Manny Ashwin, Shane Ashwin, Shanon Vos. We also had cross-over players including Fred Murphy and Peter Humphries who helped us win a number of championships. The Ashwin Blazers women also competed in some tournaments led by key players in Pearl Ashwin, Sarah Ashwin, Joanne Ashwin, Wanita Calyun. Cross-over players included Jocelyn Kickett and Alema Pilot. The Ashwin Blazers follow the values laid down in life by Pop Bill Ashwin and Nana Sarah Ashwin nee Brown. Respect, hardwork, family togetherness, love commitment, determination and courage. In 2013, Darrin Ashwin led an Ashwin Blazers team to Canberra for the National Indigenous Championship. They came runner up to Binar in the under 18 division. The team consisted of Quinton Narkle, Michael Ashwin, Jayden Donaldson, Lathan Vincent, Daniel Ashwin, Zareth Roe and Darnell Morrison. The team lost to Binar and they would continue to battle with these boys for years to come. Interestingly, this carnival is where Steven Bowden became friends with the Blazers and he eventually became a key player for us in the Senior Men's team in the future. In October 2016, the Ashwin Blazers reignited after a couple of tragic losses in the family. The team has predominantly played under Ashwin Blazers until April 2021 and now is representing the Blazers generally. New rivalries are being built with powerful teams like Binar, Raiders, South-West Ballers, Bunbury Bears, Kalgoorlie Heat and Kings and the new generation from Geraldton, Derby, Broome, Karratha, Kununurra, Northam and Pinjarra are exciting. Basketball Programs and organizations are emerging and thriving including Binar Sports, Pioneers Aboriginal Corp, Koya Aboriginal Corp, Djooditj Basketball Academy. The Blazers coach Rene' Reddingius has been living in Leonora since July 2017 and has been developing the local talent for a number of years and in April 2021, the Leonora Blazers made their tournament debut in Bunbury. It was fantastic to see these young, raw, talented players who are thirsty for experience and have an enthusiasm for the game. It is exciting to see where the future is going for this team with a rich history of over 3 decades. What we create together is our joined legacy. Let's continue to make it special and worthy of following.

On Sunday 16th August Blazers Basketball held 4 games at the Leonora Rec Centre. The first game was U13 Mixed with Blaze...
21/08/2026

On Sunday 16th August Blazers Basketball held 4 games at the Leonora Rec Centre.

The first game was U13 Mixed with Blazers 1 captained by Jahzahlia Mitchell and coached by Toana Nyamhunga versus Blazers 2 captained by Jaylen Hogarth and coached by Quinton Mitchell. The game also saw the debut of Denise Ashwin whose father Richard played for the Ashwin Blazers teams of the late 90s and early 2000's. The first half showed the dominance and experience of Jahzahlia guiding her team and her and coach Toana focused on teamwork and passing to open player. The halftime score was 22-11 in favor of Blazers 1 with Jahzahlia (14) and Robbie Little contributing 10 of his teams 11 points. Things evened up in the second half however it wasn't enough with Blazers 2 going down 30-44 at full time. Players of the game were Blazers 1 - Jahzahlia Mitchell and Denise Ashwin and Blazers 2 - Robbie Little. Points scorers for the game were Blazers 1 - Angus (5), Nate (2), Denise (14), Jahzahlia (18), Mark (2), Jennalee (3) and Blazers 2 - Robbie (23), Jaylen (2), Andre (2), Alayna (2), Jazieren (1).

The second game was U14s Mixed and it proved to be a close game. The game also was the debut of young Jorell Barnes. Blazers 1 captained by Khyber Butson and coached by Aliahky Banks versus Blazers 2 captained by Nataria Banks and coached by Braelen Darcy. A hot start by Blazers 1 with the combination of Khyber (15) and Jaziah (16) saw them take a 12 point lead at the half, 37-25. The second half saw the Blazers 2 team come back hard to win the half 37-27 off the back of Nataria (13), Shane Stokes (11) and Quentin Mitchell (11) but it wasn't enough. A great victory by Blazers 1, 64-62. Players of the game were Blazers 1 - Jaziah Dann for Blazers 2 - Quentin Mitchell. Scorers for the game were Blazers 1 - Khyber (19), Jaziah (30), Jaylen (4), Angus (3), Jahzahlia (2), Jorell (2), Neveah Redman (4) and Blazers 2 - Nataria (23), Josette (2), Shane (13), Quentin (24).

The third game was Mixed Ages 11-20 with Blazers 1 captained by Jaymarl Hogarth and Blazers 2 captained by Braelen Darcy. The first half was a tight affair with the teams going blow for blow led by the captains Jaymarl (14) and Braelen (18). The main break had the score at 28-30, Blazers 2 up. However, Blazers 2 pumped up their scoring to win the second half and the game by 10 points with the final score 72-60. Players of the game were Jaymarl and Braelen. Scorers were Blazers 1 - Jaymarl (22), Aliahky Banks (9), Calvin Stack (18), Quentin (7), Jaylen (7), Shane (2) and Blazers 2 - Braelen (40), Toana (11), Jaziah (7), Zariah Thomas (2), Khyber (8), Nataria (4).

The main game between Genesis 2 v Blazers showed improved scoring by Genesis 2 who were playing their 3rd game of the series. Genesis 2 Men's team competed hard as usual with Captain Joe Morgan leading well with sharp shooter Paul dropping 3 threes and Mike picking off any loose passes and igniting transition. However, Blazers had an even spread of contributors including young Zariah Thomas who was playing her first game in this format. End the end the score was Blazers win 95-52. Players of the game were for Blazers - Aliahky and for Genesis - Mike and Joe. Scorers for the game were Blazers - Braelen (18), Amber (11), Mckye (16), Jaymarl (15), Aliahky (24), Zariah (2), Will (6), Khyber (3) and for Genesis - Shane (4), Paul (11), Tom (2), Brad (6), Mike (13), Josh (2), Joe (12) and Mike (2).

Thank you kindly to Genesis Minerals Limited for the pizzas and an enjoyable game. Thank you to the kids that played, supporters including parents, family and community, to Matt and Khyber for umpiring and Shelley, Braelen and Shannon for scoring and to Toana, Quinton, Braelen and Aliahky for coaching. See you next time!

On Sunday 9th August was the latest addition of the Genesis v Blazers series with Juniors games held in the afternoon. T...
14/08/2026

On Sunday 9th August was the latest addition of the Genesis v Blazers series with Juniors games held in the afternoon. The first game was U12 Mixed with Blazers 1 captained by Jaylen Hogarth and coached by Toana Nyamhunga versus Blazers 2 captained by Nate Little and coached by Khyber Butson. The first half showed the improvement in some individual players like Jazieren whose improved shooting netted him 6 points for the half, Mark rebounding aggressively and understanding the role of safety , Emily whose aggression has stood out along with Brendan who won a number of 50-50 contests for his team, young Layla and Nate whose ball handling and movement in transition was a weapon for their team and young Kya who is still very much a learner but was regularly in the right position and battling in the contest. In the end the halftime score was 14-8 in favor of Blazers 1. Blazers 2 worked hard in the second half to win the period however it wasn't enough, going down 22-27 at full time. Players of the game were Blazers 1 - Mark Suriyo and Blazers 2 - Brendan Mitchell. Points scorers for the game were Blazers 1 - Jaylen (13), Mark (2), Jazieren (10), Emily (2) and Blazers 2 - Nate (6), Safera (2), Andre (4), Brendan (8), Layla (2).

The second game was U14s Mixed and it proved to be a dog fight. Blazers 1 captained by Khyber Butson and coached by Aliahky Banks versus Blazers 2 captained by Nataria Banks and coached by Braelen Darcy. A hot start by Blazers 2 with the combination of the big three of Nataria (17), Jaziah (12) and Neveah (2) hard to stop in transition. Also Khyber (8) coming off a hand injury was rusty, however Toana (9) was battling hard and young Jaylen (9) was shooting the lights out to keep them in the game. With a comeback towards the end of the half, the score at the break saw Blazers 2 only lead by 1 point, 35-34. The second half saw the contest maintain its intensity and eventually Blazers 1 handled the clutch moments down the stretch a little better to win the half and the game 50-49. A great victory! Players of the game were Blazers 1 - Toana Nyamhunga and Jaylen Hogarth and for Blazers 2 - Nataria Banks. Scorers for the game were Blazers 1 - Khyber (16), Toana (15), Nate (2), Josette (6), Jaylen (9), Del Del (2) and Blazers 2 - Nataria (23), Jaziah (16), Jazieren (2), Aqua (4), Neveah (4).

The main game between Genesis v Blazers turned out to be a tough game for the Genesis Men's team who competed hard as usual however the Blazers were switched on and their structure, transition pressure and finishing and half court efficiency was too much in the end. Braelen Darcy was outstanding in the mid range and Jaymarl Hogarth, unstoppable in the open court. Big Adam for Genesis was equally unstoppable particularly in the high post and Win was very effective in the mid range. For Genesis key shooter and captain Jermayne Abduramanoski was unusually cold with his shooting which made a difference with the margin. End the end the score was Blazers win 94-65. Players of the game were for Blazers - Braelen and for Genesis - Adam. Scorers for the game were Blazers - Braelen (36), Amber (2), Mckye (4), Jaymarl (35), Aliahky (10), Corteaha (2), Will (5) and for Genesis - Jermayne (4), Adam (27), Jarvis (6), Aiden (8), Win (20).

Thank you kindly to Genesis Minerals Limited for the pizzas and their always sterling efforts on the court. Thank you to the kids that played, supporters including parents, family and community, to Matt and Braelen for umpiring and Shelley, Travis, Matt and Shannon for scoring and to Toana, Khyber, Braelen and Aliahky for coaching. It's always entertaining!

2025 Blazers Tournament and Competition Trophy Presentation Night will be held on the 25th of June, 2026. All program p...
11/06/2026

2025 Blazers Tournament and Competition Trophy Presentation Night will be held on the 25th of June, 2026. All program participants and immediate family members are welcome to attend. Awards will include those for Genesis Minerals Limited and Murrin Murrin teams.

Yesterday, on behalf of Blazers Basketball, Shelley Jane Coleman, Rene Jevan, Denzel Humphries, Peter Humphries, Joanne ...
20/05/2026

Yesterday, on behalf of Blazers Basketball, Shelley Jane Coleman, Rene Jevan, Denzel Humphries, Peter Humphries, Joanne Humphries and Rene Reddingius attended a beautiful funeral service of young Jayden. A customized service that really took us on a journey through his life and really allowed us to connect to his story. We want to once again recognise the great strength and dignity of the Edwards family in the time of unimaginable despair and grief. You guys gave him an amazing send off.

Also today, there is a funeral of a young man , Tana Darangwa, who passed suddenly, way too soon. He is close family to Leonora Blazers players, Toana Nyamhunga and Tafara Nyamhunga. Tana also played a game for Blazers when he was visiting Toana in Leonora on the 14th December 2024. We want send our love to the Darangwa, Nyamhunga and extended families as they celebrate this beautiful young man's life and find hopefully some comfort in eachothers arms today. On the 3rd of May the Blazers did also recognize this young man and wore black arm bands in solidarity with Toana.

RIP Tana and Jayden 💛🖤

On Sunday the 17th of May, the Blazers hold the next series of their fortnightly games including games for children and ...
15/05/2026

On Sunday the 17th of May, the Blazers hold the next series of their fortnightly games including games for children and youth as well as the main game versus Genesis senior basketball team. This will be the 56th game between Leonora Blazers and Genesis with Blazers holding the advantage going into the game with 43 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw and 1 No Result. However, over recent months, despite results not going their way, Genesis have proven to be highly competitive with numerous very close games and excellent standard of play. This is a credit to the players that commit to these games and regularly show up for their teammates. Guys like Jabba, Joe, Goeff, Jarvis, Adam, Tony, Josh, Hayden and Matt really make up the core of the team and have driven up standards, competitiveness and team concepts. Genesis is now a proper team with an identity, chemistry and are hungry to perform. We thank Genesis for their ongoing support with this concept, and it shows that Mining companies can be a part of the solution in rebuilding community sport in areas negatively impacted by the FIFO structure. By giving opportunity for FIFO workers to link in with the local community has two-way benefits for both workers and the community. Our kids, as well as their parents, grandparents and extended family all look forward to these games every fortnight. It has become an important part of our program giving our participants of our training program an opportunity to apply their learned and developing skills in a properly organised game. It has become key to the Blazers competitiveness in tournaments and competitions outside of Leonora.

We also want to give a special shout out to our team of volunteers who make these fortnightly events run smoothly, especially Shelley Coleman, Matt Reddingius, Denzel Humphries, Corteaha Thomas, Shannon Watene, Amber Thomas, McKye Blake and Darren Butson. We also want to recognise the contribution of the spectators of parents, grandparents, extended family and community members who help create the atmosphere. Most importantly the players who show up and show out consistently, bringing a terrific brand of basketball and providing so much entertainment over the years.

These fortnightly games include a format which combine children, youth and adults into a team to play against eachother or against an adult team, like Genesis. We call this format Youth/Adults Mixed and the first ever game of its type was played on the 8th of April 2022 between a Leonora Blazers Youth team led by a 17-year-old Amber Thomas and an adult men's team in Horizon Power. The Blazers team also included the eldest player in Corteaha Thomas who was 18, the youngest player in Jaymarl Hogarth who was 13, as well as McKye Blake, Lakeisha Whitby, Peter Whitby, Montana Smith, Dilyn Whitby and Dakota Smith. The coach was Drew Whitby. The Blazers went down to Horizon Power 98-85, with Peter Whitby top scorer and Player of the game for Blazers with 26 points.

So, from 4 years ago, this format has continued and has included intra-club games, games against Leinster, Murrin Murrin, Genesis as well as other opponents. This Sunday will mark the 100th game in this format! So come on down and support the kids and celebrate with us on this milestone game.

Within the Blazers family we have recently experienced tremendous loss. One of the Blazers integral families, the Edward...
15/05/2026

Within the Blazers family we have recently experienced tremendous loss. One of the Blazers integral families, the Edwards family, through Brendan Edwards and Natasha Edwards, lost a beloved son through tragic circumstances. Also within the Brownley/McGuire family, the sudden loss of a loved one shook all who knew him. One of our Blazers leaders, Denzel Humphries is family with the Brownley mob and stays with them regularly when in Kalgoorlie for Giants training. He is also close with the Edwards family who have seen him grow into a man, so in a recent game with the Giants D League team, he and his teammates wore black arm bands in respect for the Brownley family and Edwards family. We send our love to Chancey Brownley, who has been playing with the Blazers this year and to the Brownley/McGuire family as they lay their loved one to rest today.

The Leonora Blazers also held a remembrance game in Leonora on 3rd May with the players in the U15 Mixed game wearing black arm bands in respect for their team mate Lil Brendan and the Edwards family as they lay to rest their loved one on the 19th May.

From the Blazers family our deepest condolences and respect to the Edwards and Brownley/McGuire families for their irreplaceable losses. Our hearts and love is with you in this devastating time. 😢💛🖤

Denzel Humphries played his debut game in the Goldfields Giants WABL Open Senior Men's team against South West Slammers....
28/03/2026

Denzel Humphries played his debut game in the Goldfields Giants WABL Open Senior Men's team against South West Slammers. Denzel wasn't feeling his best unfortunately, not able to shake a chest infection, however you wouldn't know it how he fronted up giving good vibes to his team.

Denzel entered the game in first five and really played his role in a workman like and efficient first half. Denzel hit 3-5 shots for 6 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, set up 3 assists, had 1 steal, 2 defensive assists and had 2 turnovers and only 1 foul. Denzel showed a steady head and made things happen when he attacked.

However, the second half, saw the team lose momentum. Denzel also lost energy. He only added 2 rebounds and a turnover to his stats for the game. So, solid first half, passive second half, Denzel will aim to lock in for a full game and contribute consistently throughout, however there were many great moments and plays that showed his obvious potential. Blazers are proud of you, Mum Joanne Humphries, Dad Peter Humphries, Aunty Fiona Emma and Uncle Andrew, Uncle Rene Reddingius, Aunty Shelley Jane Coleman are proud of you. Keep up the hard work 💛🖤

The accolades keep coming for our young people to add to our celebration of our 3 championships, we have a number of MV...
23/03/2026

The accolades keep coming for our young people to add to our celebration of our 3 championships, we have a number of MVP and Allstar awards handed out by the Goldfields Basketball Association. Award winners include:
Grand Final MVP's
U12 Girls - Maleah Dowden
U12 Boys - Tobi Dos Santos
U14 Boys - Devon Thomas

Allstar Awards
U12 Girls - Amelia Ring
U12 Boys - Tobi Dos Santos and Jaziah Dann
U14 Girls - Nataria Banks
U14 Boys - Devon Thomas and Tobi Dos Santos

Congratulations to these deserving award winners who all had terrific, consistent seasons.

Three Championships what a day!!!!Saturday 21st March was the final day of the Goldfields Basketball Association season...
23/03/2026

Three Championships what a day!!!!

Saturday 21st March was the final day of the Goldfields Basketball Association season. U12 and U14 divisions played off in their grand final games. Leonora Blazers were competing in three divisions U12 Girls Division 2, U12 Boys Division 1 and U14 Boys Division 2. These teams were top of the ladder at the end of regular season so if they played to their potential, then we should have a great chance to win three championships. However, in a two horse race in one single game it usually is the team that wants it most and executes best, that wins.

A big crowd gathered to watch our grand finals with many travelling from Leonora, Perth and Esperance. One of the most special things about the season has been the many families that have come and supported us and their children. However, with such a big crowd, the kids were nervous but excited.

First game for us was the U12 Girls versus Olympians at 9am. Olympians started best and they were 4-0 up, 4 minutes in, with Grace-Lynn Dowden (4) working hard for her team. From then on however, the Blazers went on a 16-0 run to go into the break 16-4 and in total control of the game. The Blazers pressure game kicked in and our ability to finish, really put scoreboard pressure on Olympians.

The second half started with 2 quick goals by Jazahlia Mitchell and this ignited another scoring run of 13-0 with 9 minutes to go. From that point, Olympians started to score more with Amarni McLean (6) and Grace-Lynn Dowden (4) converting regularly in a 10-5 run to finish the game. However, it was not enough as the Blazers finished the game 20 point victors to complete their first championship for the U12 Girls in dominant fashion. Scorers for Blazers were Amelia Ring (1), Maleah Dowden (6), Neveah Redman (10) and Jazahlia Mitchell (17). Scorers for Olympians were Amarni McLean (6) and Grace-Lynn Dowden (8). Maleah Dowden for Blazers was named MVP for Grand Final.

The next Grand Final was U12 Boys versus CBC. CBC had beaten Blazers in the Qualifying Final by 4 points and Blazers had to beat Saints to advance to face CBC again, so Blazers went the long route but they were in with a good chance. Two changes to the team that won the Preliminary final, was the unavailability of Robbie Little and the addition of captain Tobi Dos Santos.

The game started with the Blazers having a hot start, led by Toana Nyamhunga (4) causing CBC to call a timeout with the score at 6-0 in the first 3 minutes. Out of the timeout, CBC superstar, Dominic Hunter scored quickly but by the 10 minute mark, Blazers had established a 14-3 advantage and had control of the game. Blazers had called a timeout to consolidate our advantage. The Blazers pressure game was causing problems and Tobi was dominating the air so CBC needed to address this urgently to get back into this. Blazers needed to maintain their structure and execute with effort. For the rest of the half, Blazers held up CBC who were coming hard and went blow for blow to go into the break with an 11 point lead with the score 22-11. Tobi (10) was really playing his role well along with the tenacity of Toana Nyamhunga (6). Confidence was high in the Blazers huddle, knowing that a strong effort by each player this half will go along way to winning the game. Coach asked for a concerted effort in the first 5 minutes to really put scoreboard pressure on CBC. Sure enough, there was a key moment when there was a loose ball on the ground around the 15 minute mark, Lionel Cameron was desperate and dived full length to beat the opponent, secure the ball and deliver the ball safely to his team mate. It was an inspiring play and from that moment, the boys rallied for eachother. After just over 6 minutes, Blazers called a timeout with the score 30-13 after going on a 8-2 run with Lionel Cameron (4) and Quentin Mitchell (4) leading the way. Coach was happy as things were falling into place. When the teams returned with 13 minutes to go, it was once again Blazers through another couple of impactful goals to crowd favorite Lionel which caused a timeout by CBC with the score 34-15 and 7:30 min left. Ready for a final push by CBC out of the timeout, however it was once again Blazers going on a 7-0 run to ice the game leading to the final 3 minutes which are stop clock. A 26 point lead reflected a dominant performance and a true team effort with everyone contributing. The game petered out with a 9-0 run by CBC, as the result was beyond doubt. The final score was 41-24. Scorers for CBC were dominated by Dominic Hunter (10) and for Blazers Lionel Cameron (9), Tobi Dos Santos (12), Angus Dann (2), Shane Stokes (2), Rashard Williams (2), Quinton Mitchell (6) and Toana Nyamhunga (8). MVP for the Grand Final was Tobi. In all this was one the most complete finals wins in Blazers history, but for the 9-0 point run at the end when the game was sealed. The young people involved really showed their character to stand up in the moment when their number is called. Very proud of the way this team played this game and the season.

The last Grand Final was between the U14 Boys versus CBC. Blazers had beaten CBC in the Qualifying Final and the team were adding two talented players, Tobi Dos Santos and Zaniel Bingham. This team had shown superb teamwork throughout the season and there was alot of confidence that the boys could really put a great game together.

The game started with the Blazers hitting first and taking an early 6-0 lead. However, Max Donnelly from CBC hit back quickly with a 3 point bank shot and another basket leading to a Blazers timeout after 6 minutes, with the score 6-5. Out of the timeout, till the rest of the half, it was a real battle battle. Both teams striving to grab ascendency. However, Blazers did have a 5 point advantage at the break, 15-10.
The Blazers hadn't taken advantage of alot of good opportunities to score that we're created from Blazers pressure. The Blazers coach was confident that once we start finishing better, then Blazers would take control of the game. We just needed to stay the course.

Once again a good start to the second half would be critical to building pressure. Blazers did just that and with 7:26 to go, Blazers had a lead 14, with the score 31-17. Blazers had control of the game. The next 3 minutes saw the lead increase to 15 points leading to a CBC timeout. Blazers returned to the court determined to have no let ups and play this one out. They iced the game with an 8-4 run for the final 3 minutes. A wire to wire win in a solid performance to leave no doubt who was the dominant team in the division. Key scorers for CBC were Max Donnelly (8), Richard Semwayo (7), Maverick Johnstone (6). For Blazers, key scorers were Zaniel Bingham (9) and Devon Thomas (14). MVP for Grand Final was also Devon Thomas.

It was an amazing day, 3 fantastic wins to net 3 championships. Certainly a proud day in Blazers history. It was incredible to see the amount of support for our teams in the stands and around the court. Some families like the Bingham's and Scott/Ashwin coming from Perth, and Sprigg Dos Santos coming from Esperance and Leonora, Banks, Beamans, Madriaga/Williams, Nyamhunga, Hogarth, Dowden, Thomas/Caldwell, Butson, Stokes, George, Dann/Barnes, Ring-Ashwin, Gilbert families coming from Leonora and Kalgoorlie. The efforts that these families have made through out the season to support their children has been equal to our efforts. It has been one of the bonus blessings in the success of this season.

At 11am in between games, the Blazers players and their families had a lunch together provided by Northern Star who's representatives Kendall and Amber came by to join us. Also once again the Leonora Shire provided the bus for transport. Darren Butson again was our driver, supervisor and photographer, Shannon Watene, Denzel Humphries and Barbara Rosenberger as supervisors, Jocelyn Moke as our main scorer and Shelley Coleman as our team manager. We wholeheartedly thank you all for helping us achieve these special moments. We appreciate you all! To the players who made this possible through your talent and hard work through out these games and the season, we see you!

This evening we host the 50th Game held between Genesis and Blazers. It has been a fantastic addition to the Blazers pr...
22/03/2026

This evening we host the 50th Game held between Genesis and Blazers. It has been a fantastic addition to the Blazers program from it first game on 29th June 2023. The first game was with St Barbara just before Genesis Minerals took over. The first ever team members were Sam Rolfe (c), Andrew Xu, Dom Howard, Jarvis De Lacey, Sam Henry, Mo and Jollan, a couple of these players are still prominent today namely, Jarvis (17 games) and Sam (13 games). This team played a Leonora Blazers team led by an 18 year old McKye Blake and included Dilyn Whitby, Corey Tullock, Montana Smith, Irwin Whitby, Corteaha Thomas and Zayne Whitby. For St Barbara, Sam had 25 points strongly supported by Jarvis with 19. For Blazers, Irwin had 28 and McKye 21. Blazers won a close game 73-68. Players of the game for this inaugural game were Irwin and Jarvis.

The second game, the first game under Genesis was on 7th October 2023, Sam Rolfe captained a team which included Luke, Lyos, Cameron Starcevich, Blake Norrie, Tony Petrie, Ben Elliott and Andrew Xu. This game was quite one sided with Blazers running away 82-46. Players of this game were for Blazers, Mckye Blake (25) and Irwin Whitby (27) and for Genesis, Sam Rolfe (18).

On the 16th November, 2023 in the 5th game of this match up, Genesis won their first game 77-75, in spite of a 40 piece from McKye, to bring the record to 4-1 in the Blazers favor.

Sam Rolfe, the inaugural captain for the Genesis team and original partner in the inception of the concept of these games, departed Australia and returned to Canada. We thank him for his efforts in driving this innovative concept to get momentum. From the 7th game, Ben Elliott took over the leadership on the 16th December 2023. Ben has been a passionate advocate for this concept and he improved dramatically as a basketballer over his 29 games. Ben played his last game on 3rd May 2025, when took extended leave. Ben will be back! On the 30th of May at the Golden Gift Basketball Tournament, Jermayne Abduramanoski (Jabba) took over leadership. Jabba (25 games) has carried on the tradition of fantastic leaders who kept driving the Blazers v Genesis games forward and consolidating them as a part of a growing community sport footprint in Leonora. Special mention to the other leaders who have stepped in from time to time to organize their team, organize food etc including Tony Petrie (31 games), Kerryn Forster (17 games) and Goeff Schaanchber (19 games).

The record between the teams on the eve of the 50th Game is Blazers 39 wins 9 losses and 1 draw. For Genesis the games holder is Tony Petrie who has played 31 games, scored 213 points at 6.87 per game witha high scoreof 22. The most outstanding player to date would be Jermayne Abduramanoski (Jabba) who has played 25 games, scored 536 points at 21.44 per game with a high score of 32 and hit 73 threes. For Blazers the games holder is McKye Blake who has played 40 games, scored 904 points at 22.60 per game with a high score of 51. He is has been the most valuable player.

It is hard to express how special the concept of partnering with a mining company and it's FIFO workers to reignite community sport through regular basketball games in a town that was decimated by the FIFO concept over 30 years ago. These games have also been pivotal in sharpening the skills and experience of our Leonora based Blazers against a competitive and physical opponent. We have improved quicker because of these games. It also has given the community a chance to come down and watch community sport. Community sport is such a key ingredient for a healthy community and the regular commitment of participation in these competitive battles, lay the foundation of the potential regrowth of community sport. Thank you Genesis for your vision, commitment and friendship over these first 50 games. We look forward to 50 more and beyond.

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