The U15s player Jaimie Byrant took out the Players Player award against hundreds of other competitors from across the Territory region. 

From as far as Alice Springs, the best of the best from all age groups gathered on central ground to compete over three big days. 

The Katherine High School athlete received the highest amount of game points across all age groups at the weekend’s competitive championships. 

This year, five Katherine netball teams journeyed 300kms to competed in the annual NT Links Netball Championships. 

With fresh new organisers in the driving seat this year, more teams than ever qualified for the intra-Territory competition known to be a shiny pathway for young players and the ANL program. 

Katherine Netball Association coordinator Julia Knight said all teams played well, especially considering the extreme Darwin heat. 

More than 80 girls tried out for the chance to compete at the championships, making for the most competitive year yet. 

However, the due to the fiercely competitive nature of the championships, only 60 girls made the teams. 

Formed just three months prior to the championships, the team’s dedicated weekly practices on the courts paid off. 

The Open team, made up of girls over the age of 17, played hard across all of their games, sealing wins along the way and making it to the grand final on Sunday.  

The championship final against Darwin was a tight game. 

But ultimately, Katherine was defeated by Darwin 59, 34. 

Over the weekend, players were carefully watched by umpires to acknowledge the athletes who performed best. 

Picked out from all U13 players, Katherine resident Dallas Sheratt was awarded a Rising Star trophy. 

Not only did the young netballer show great sportsmanship, but also top rate skills on court. 

The teams departed for the championships geared up with brand new uniforms and bags.