MVP Hanson engineers stunning comeback as NSW claim first U20 Men's title since 2007

New South Wales ended a 19-year drought by winning the 2026 Foot Locker U20 Men's National Championship, overcoming an 18-point first-half deficit to beat Western Australia 74-71 in a breathtaking gold medal game at Selkirk Stadium on February 1. Tournament MVP Bailey Hanson (191-G-2008) was the engine of the comeback, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists across nearly 38 minutes. The Centre of Excellence product averaged 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game across the tournament, anchoring NSW's offense in the clutch moments when it mattered most. Bailey Macarthur (195-F-2007) added 16 points while Jayden Tawake) provided a crucial bench spark with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting. Western Australia controlled the first half through physicality and interior scoring, building their 18-point cushion behind Harrison Fitzgerald)'s team-high 20 points on efficient shooting. The much-discussed 7-foot-6 prospect Jongkuch Mach) — whose size, rim protection, and efficiency made him the tournament's most talked-about player — recorded 14 points and nine rebounds, while Marley Sam stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. But WA's offense stalled catastrophically in the third quarter, managing just nine points as NSW's defensive intensity transformed the contest. The Blues outscored WA 65-53 across the second half, converting 15-of-19 free throws and generating 22 bench points to complete the remarkable turnaround. WA committed 19 turnovers that ultimately proved fatal.
Victoria claimed the bronze medal in a thriller, holding off South Australia 97-94 after leading by 21 before SA mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally. Lachlan Kanngiesser (F-2007) led Victoria with 26 points and nine rebounds (9-of-9 from the free-throw line), while Jai Fa'ale (195-F-2008) added 19 points and four assists.
NSW's first U20 men's title since 2007 ended a remarkable Victorian stranglehold — Victoria had claimed titles every year from 2018-2020 and again in 2024, while South Australia won four straight from 2019-2023 in the Ivor Burge division.