A historic AIC Basketball season came to an end last weekend with both Iona and Villanova claiming historic victories in two different competitions.

In one of the largest and most popular sports played in the Association, achieving victory in the Aggregate Shield competition is a major accomplishment. This year Iona College was able to secure the prized shield for the first time in 16 years, and by doing so, halt the run of Villanova who have held the shield at Coorparoo since 2015.  The consistency of Iona teams across all aggregate divisions was the key to their success. Iona teams won the same amount of ‘Aggregate Premierships’ (three) as their closest rivals, with the difference being Iona able to claim a top 3 finish in 11 of the premierships that count towards the major trophy.

“Winning the AIC aggregate is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and growth of Iona’s basketball program, as well as the commitment by all staff, coaches, and players. Congratulations to everyone involved!” Iona Basketball Coordinator, Mr. Anthony Bannerman enthusiastically explained.

St Laurence’s improved to second place in the overall aggregate with Villanova College claiming third.

Villanova made AIC history and became the first school to win 4 consecutive ‘outright’ First V Basketball premierships. The Villanova First V have now been undefeated in AIC competition since the shortened 2020 Covid impacted season.

“The journey to achieve this milestone has been made possible by the hard work and countless hours in Goold Hall, extra sessions the boys have attended to work with their coaches and support staff. All of the men who have been part of the squad and the program this year have helped drive another successful AIC season and are to be congratulated” Villanova’s First V Head Coach Mr. Jordan Mullan said.

Mr. Mullen also acknowledged the wonderful support the First V Basketball team at Villanova received this season.

“This success wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of the coaches and players across the entire basketball program from those attended trials in Term 2 to the Villanova Old Boys, Director of Sport Shaun McLean and the Sports Office, the Sports Club and wider Villanova Community that have shown an unwavering support behind the basketball program.” Mr. Mullen acknowledged.

Next year, Villanova have the opportunity to equal the AIC First V Premiership streak record of 5 in a row, currently held by Marist College Ashgrove who won the First V Basketball Premiership every year between 2002-2006.

Villanova 1st V- 2024 AIC Premiers

St Patrick’s finished 2nd in the First V premiership and how close the competition was highlighted by Marist College Ashgrove, Iona and St Laurence’s finishing in a tie for third place.

Premierships across the AIC divisions were shared amongst 6 different schools. St Laurence’s highlighted they should push Villanova in future years in the First V with premierships in the 2nd V*, Year 11A and Year 10A* premierships. Another school that looks to be building for success in future First V competitions is St Patrick’s, who claimed both the 8A and 9A premierships. The great depth of talent that exists at Marist College Ashgrove was shown with 7 premierships (3rd V*, 4th V, 11B, 10A*, 7B, 7C, 7D). With their success in the Aggregate competition, Iona claimed the premierships in the 2nd V*, 3rd V*, 11D, 9C, 8B, 8C, 8D*. Villanova’s 10B, 10C, 10D, 9D, 8D* and 7A teams joined their First V in achieving premiership success. St Edmund’s claimed the 9B premiership with an impressive undefeated season.

AIC primary school Basketball fixtures held on a Friday afternoon during the season, clearly displayed the future is very bright for the AIC Competition with a large number of enthusiastic and talented basketballers at each of our schools. It will be exciting for all involved in AIC Basketball to watch this talent develop in the years to come. The following primary school teams enjoyed undefeated seasons – St Laurence’s 6A & 6B and Villanova 6C, 6D, 5A, 5B, 5C & 5D.

Thank you to all coaches, referees, score bench officials and everyone who supported the 2024 AIC Basketball Season.

AIC Basketball Division Premiership Winners 2024

AIC Basketball Aggregate Championship