Welcome to the Powers Country Express Junior Braves

The Bendigo Junior Braves are more than just a basketball club, they’re the launchpad for the region’s most talented young athletes to grow, compete, and shine. 

As a junior arm of the prestigious Bendigo Braves Basketball Club, in partnership with the Bendigo Basketball Association, the program is designed to nurture future stars both on and off the court.

With a strong focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, athletes are immersed in up to 2.5 hours of training and competition each week, laying the foundations for long-term success.

The Junior Braves pathway opens doors to some of the state’s most competitive stages, including:
  • Country & Metro Tournaments
  • Victorian Junior Country Championships
  • Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) 

Giving young athletes the chance to test themselves against the best and chase their basketball dreams.

Typical Season

A typical season for the Bendigo Junior Braves

  • Tournament Season for non VJBL – November to April
  • Victorian Junior Basketball League (1st sides 14s, 16s, 18s only) - November to September
  • Weekly training sessions – Sundays (+ mid-week for VJBL only)
  • Weekly domestic games – October to March

Objectives of the Junior Braves

  • To provide all players with the opportunity to represent Bendigo at the highest level. 
  • To continue to maintain our commitment towards becoming the strongest and most fundamentally sound representative squad program in Australia. 
  • To provide all players with the opportunity to develop their skills in a safe, friendly, productive, and enjoyable learning environment. 
  • To develop a solid foundation of individual skills for the future development of basketball in the region. 
  • To provide all players with a high standard of coaching and instruction. 
  • To provide all players with high quality and well-structured training sessions. 
  • To provide all coaches with guidance and opportunities to improve their skills.

BBA Pathways

The Benigo Junior Braves is one of many pathway steps offered by the Bendigo Basketball Association on the journey to becoming an elite athlete.

The BBA pathway;


While the Bendigo Junior Braves have produced several talented players, one notable athlete who made it to the NBA recently is Dyson Daniels. 
Dyson was the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans

Contact Us

Director of Coaching and Athlete Development
Joe Hurst (DOCAD)

Basketball Pathways Coordinator
Sonia Venskevicis

For any sensitive information, please contact the Jr.Braves Chair
David Anderson

Junior Braves Committee Volunteers

Treasurer - Kelly McDermott - treasurer.BBA@bendigobasketball.com.au
Media Liaison - Zoe Mannix - mediaJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Grants Coordinator - Vacant - grantsJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Fundraising Coordinator - Chris Fedke - fundraisingJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Sponsorship Coordinator - Tania Anderson - sponsorshipJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Coaches Liaison - Clayton Bell - coachesJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Child Safety Officer - Kye Watson - childsafejbc@bendigobasketball.com.au
Team Manager Liaison - Leticia Laurien - teammanagerJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au
Uniform & Equipment Coordinator - Sarah McMillan - equipmentJBC@bendigobasketball.com.au


If you would like to join the JBC please contact the Chairperson via email.

Official partners of Bendigo Junior Braves Basketball Club