1st September 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Melbourne, VICTORIA – McKinnon claimed both 2026 Big V Championship titles with victories over Sherbrooke and Hume City at the State Basketball Centre.
The Big V community came together on Saturday 29 August for the final two Grand Finals of the 2026 season, as players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters filled the venue with colour and noise.
McKinnon completed a memorable Championship double, defeating Sherbrooke in the women’s decider before overcoming Hume City in the men’s finale.
Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Championship Grand Finals were a fitting celebration of the competition and the people who make it possible.
“Grand Final day showcased everything that makes Big V basketball so special, high-quality competition, passionate clubs and a community that turns up for one another,” West said.
“Congratulations to McKinnon on an outstanding Championship double, as well as Sherbrooke and Hume City on terrific seasons. It was a fitting way to bring the 2026 season, and this chapter of Big V, to a close.”
Championship Women: McKinnon 113 defeated Sherbrooke 61
McKinnon capped its dominant season with a 113–61 victory over Sherbrooke in the Championship Women Grand Final.
After entering the decider with just one win separating the teams during the regular season, McKinnon took control early and continued to build its advantage throughout the afternoon.
The eventual champions led 26–17 at quarter-time before producing a 34-point second quarter to take a commanding 60–37 advantage into the main break. Another 25 points in the third put the result beyond doubt.
Javyn Nicholson led McKinnon with 31 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field. Maighan Hedge added 19 points and 8 assists, Katherine Vaile recorded 14 points and 6 rebounds, while captain Amy Baum directed the offence with 10 assists.
It was a difficult afternoon for Sherbrooke, with little falling its way after an outstanding season in which the Suns finished 19–3 and earned their place in the Championship decider.
Oliana Squires continued to compete until the final siren, leading Sherbrooke with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Zoe Zwerling added 11 points, while Tanielle Knight and Emma Pearce finished with 8 apiece.
While the Grand Final did not unfold as Sherbrooke had hoped, its run to the title game represented an impressive first season under head coach Matt Shanahan.
Championship Men: McKinnon 93 defeated Hume City 80
McKinnon completed the double with a 93–80 victory over minor premier Hume City in the Championship Men Grand Final.
The Broncos led 19–16 after the opening quarter, but McKinnon began to turn the game in the second, outscoring Hume City 25–16 to take a 41–35 advantage into half-time.
McKinnon created the decisive separation after the break, producing a dominant third quarter and holding Hume City to just 13 points for the term.
The Broncos refused to let their season finish quietly, lifting the energy inside the State Basketball Centre with a fast-finishing final quarter as they attempted to close the margin.
Hume City’s late charge was not enough, however, as McKinnon steadied to secure the Championship with a 13-point victory.
Returning Big V veteran Troyce Manassa was named Grand Final MVP after delivering 24 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals in a commanding all-round performance.
Josh Uhr-Henry contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds, Garrett Levesque finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Michael Aminov added 12 points.
Lachlan Wood led Hume City with 25 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 62.5% from the field. Markise Davis added 20 points and 5 rebounds, while captain Robert Coman finished with 17 points.
Despite falling short in the decider, the Broncos’ spirited finish reflected the depth, determination and fight that carried them to the top of the regular-season ladder.
Recognising the officials
The Championship Grand Finals also celebrated the referees and technical officials selected to take the floor on the biggest stage of the Big V season.
Across the two games, the officiating teams represented eight associations and included six referees, two emergency referees and two referee coaches, with each appointment recognising a season of preparation, development and strong performances.
Behind the action, the technical officials managed the scorebench, timing and statistics, completing the important responsibilities required to ensure both Grand Finals ran smoothly.
Their professionalism, teamwork and commitment remain an essential part of Big V basketball and helped deliver a memorable conclusion to the competition’s final Championship Grand Finals before it becomes the Victorian Basketball League in 2027.
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