Harry Evans and Bob Griechen are leading the WA side in the U20 basketball national championships

The under-20 national basketball championships got under way this week in Victoria, with Geraldton locals and Buccs players Harry Evans and Bob Griechen helping lead the WA side.

The two Geraldton prospects were selected to travel with the squad to defend WA’s championship win from last year, but so far the team has not seen the same success from 2023.

Their pool matches began with a clash against the home side, Victoria on Tuesday, but WA fell 91-59 in the opening clash.

Both players managed to contribute in the game, with Griechen putting up 12 points, four rebounds and one steal.

Evans led the team in assists with four, to go along with his two points, one rebound and one steal.

The second day of competition on Wednesday had the West Aussie side playing two games, but their struggles continued.

In the morning match against New South Wales, the side was competitive but lost 98-79.

Both Buccaneers’ stars continued to shine however, with Griechen leading the team in scoring with 21 points, to go along with five rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Evans led the team in assists again with five, and was third in scoring with nine points, also getting one rebound and one steal.

The losing streak continued against Tasmania, with WA going down 91-69.

Griechen dominated at the glass with a team high nine rebounds and two blocks, along with his 15 points. Evans had two points, one rebound, one assist and two steals.

The final pool game for WA was scheduled for Thursday night against Northern Territory, and then the finals will be played across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Through the first three games across all 14 teams in the competition, Griechen sits 13th overall in the competition for scoring, while Evans ranks 11th in assists and both top WA in each category.

WA had historically performed poorly in the national championships and had a 22-year title drought that was only broken last year when Buccs teammate Tom Dobson helped bring the gold medal home.

Both of the players’ home teams — Pumas for Evans and Hawks for Griechen — are looking ahead to the finals that begin in two weeks in the Geraldton Basketball Association.