08/04/2026
THANK YOU 🙏🏼
The 2026 Adelaide Easter Classic; the biggest basketball tournament in South Australia’s history! Made possible only through the efforts of an incredible basketball community.
693 teams, almost 2,000 games, 7,000 players, across 15 venues and 50 courts, including new venues at St Francis de Sales College (Mount Barker) and The W: Walkerville, the scale of this event speaks for itself.
An event of this size does not happen without the collective effort of many.
A huge thank you to Basketball South Australia (BSA) for coordinating officiating for the 2026 tournament, and to all referees, court supervisors, and officials for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment across the weekend. There were some challenges and tests, but you all passed with flying colours.
Thank you to our Norwood families & volunteers, venue staff, and support teams who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, opening and closing venues, managing operations, assisting teams, and keeping things moving throughout the tournament.
To our interstate teams and officials who travelled to Adelaide, and our local and SA Country basketball community who once again stepped up over the Easter long weekend, we are extremely grateful for the time, effort, and planning involved.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the many people across Adelaide and South Australia who provided behind-the-scenes support, additional
officials, venues, equipment, and solutions whenever needed. While we can’t name everyone individually, these contributions were essential.
To the clubs, associations, team managers, coaches, parents, carers and spectators, thank you for helping create another tournament filled with great basketball, strong competition, and unforgettable memories.
From everyone involved in delivering the Adelaide Easter Classic; thank you.
We couldn’t do it without you, and we look forward to doing it all again in 2027.
Here it goes…: 📋
- Tournament Directors – Eliza Wooden & Nick Magor
- Grading team – Angus Kitson, Sam Sterry & contributing team
- Venue Manager – Alex Manifold (incredible effort!)
- Integrity Officer – Liz Malingre
- Merch Pick Up – Eddie, Bailee & Dakota
- Admin support & Finance – Karen Glazbrook
- Program Development & International Liaison – Will Smith
- Volunteer support to Operations – Kelly O’Brien, Michael Ridley & Robyn Wooden
- ACBA and Norwood Basketball Club Board of Directors
- Norwood families and volunteers; what an achievement, you should be so proud, again!
- Marketing & Socials – Sam Sterry & Alex Manifold
- Medals from Blake at Paul Rees Trophies, badged and sorted by Liz, Abraham, Bailee, Dakota & Eddie
- Finals & Presentations Crew – Abraham, Julian, Kelly, Tori, Jodie, Naomi, Diana, Rolf, Jason, Robyn, Maddy, Lara, Dara, Thomas, Finley, Jett, Nick, Eliza, Matt de Cure & Matt Hunt
- Sam, Tom, Jacqui, Zinzan, Jen, the whole team at BSA, all referees, court supervisors and officials; because we cannot stop thanking you, ever.
- Cathryn Lowe – Victorian Referee coordinator; this year it was significantly special, and just so important to have you back.
- QLD & SA Country officials – Thank you for travelling and stepping up, your presence strengthened the officiating group and was so valued.
- BSA & EHBA – Thank you for the use of your venues and equipment.
- Venue assistance: Matt, Lachlan & Jeremy (BSA), Karen Glazbrook (Marden), Hayden (Kings), Garry (Cedar), Jason Williams
(Springbank), Mike Gibson (Reynella), Lachy & Blake (Port Adelaide), Ash (Glenunga), Becki Sutcliffe (SBC), Andrew (The W).
- Staff at all venues, particularly The ARC, Ingle Farm, Lights, MBC, Mavs team at St Francis, Mitchell Park & St Clair. Having staffed venues and support takes off so much pressure for our group.
- Jarvis Ford – Providing two sets of stunning wheels to assist our team in our lengthy travels!
- Apelle – Easter Classic’s official merchandise supplier. This year’s colour scheme was a hit.
- Adapt & Elevate crew plus the clinics brought to you by Will Smith.
- Kommunity TV for stepping it up a another notch and live streaming six courts on Grand Final day, a new record.
- Official Easter Classic Photographers – Sports In Focus, Picture It Sport Photography, Heath Shot It, Chauvisuals & JMP
- Victorian clubs – Your ongoing support and involvement continues to shape the tournament. The standard you bring each year challenges everyone and reinforces how special this event has become.
- NSW, WA, NT & ACT teams – Fantastic to see your presence continue to grow. Welcoming new clubs and familiar faces alike adds to the spirit of the tournament, and we’re grateful for the support in helping the Classic reach further each year.
- Epic Basketball Academy — Thank you for making the incredible journey from Japan, bringing three teams over. The planning, commitment, and effort involved is truly remarkable, and your presence added a seriously incredible buzz around the courts. A huge congratulations to your 16B team on winning their division, a fantastic and well-deserved achievement. We loved having you with us and look forward to welcoming you back again next year.
- Our local SA District clubs – You remain at the heart of this tournament. As local participation continues to grow, we’re committed to ensuring the Classic remains a standout event on the home calendar.
- Domestic Clubs – a special nod to Wings for their strong presence. Providing domestic players the chance to be part of a big tournament experience is something we’re excited to continue delivering.
- Independent teams – All the passionate TM’s and members that put in extra work to get you organised
- Tony & Mark’s – Providing incredible hampers full of goodies for our raffle, winners were so excited!
- Highland Bakehouse – So many comments asking where you are every year, you are becoming ever popular and a true main-stayer!
- A sincere thank you to all sponsors & partners not already mentioned
- Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes, Gameday, Grip-X, The Baller Store, Paradise Hotel, Superstat, TMG Assist. Your support across accommodation, technology, activation, media, venues, community programs, and logistics plays a crucial role in delivering a tournament of this scale, and we are extremely grateful for your continued partnership.
- Team Managers – Thank you for the time, organisation, care & preparation you put into supporting your teams.
- Parents, Carers, Spectators… friends, siblings, cousins, grandparents etc!!! Thank you for standing behind your players and helping create a positive and inclusive tournament environment.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the families of our staff and volunteers. Your patience, understanding, and support behind the scenes carries a real load during a weekend like this, and it means more to us than we can express.
Apologies if we have missed anyone, this list could truly go on forever. So many people contribute in different ways to make the Adelaide Easter Classic possible, and we are grateful for every single one.
Now… time to catch our breath and start prepping for next year! 🏀
