Rising guard Dakota Dimer helps WA Country under-14s to third-place finish at Southern Cross Challenge

Albany basketball young gun Dakota Dimer combined with some of the best talent in Australia at the recent Southern Cross Challenge in Melbourne, returning from the tournament with a third-place finish.

Dimer, 12, played as part of the under-14 WA team that competed in the tournament from January 20-23 against teams from South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

The crafty guard was the only representative from the Great Southern region across all age groups, with her side going down to eventual tournament winners Vic Metro Orange in the semifinals.

The under-14 squad finished second in pool B ahead of four other teams before clashing with the top Vic Metro side which went undefeated in pool A.

WA were defeated 65-36 in their semifinal match against Vic Metro Orange who went on to win the grand final 63-37 against Vic Metro Green to finish their campaign without a loss.

WA notched four wins and one loss in their campaign, including a 58-28 demolition of NSW Metro with Dimer nailing three field goals in the rout.

Dimer’s mother Lisa Dimer said the competition was a massive step up in competition for her daughter.

“She loved the trip, it was the best one she’s ever done,” she said.

“The competition was amazing, especially the Victorian teams.

“It was the best team Dakota’s ever played with and WA were such a well-balanced team with so many strong girls.

“They only just missed out on the grand final partly due to luck of the draw.

“The coaching and the State program ran through Basketball WA was incredible.

“This was the first time they have mixed country and metro in this age group so to even make the team she felt it was a huge achievement for her.

“She has learnt so much and just wants to keep challenging herself against stronger players and improving.”