Shepparton’s Dash Smith experienced the rush of Victoria Country’s first under-18 national championship win in 35 years.
When he dribbles, it’s flash.
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When he shoots, it’s cash.
Roll it all into one package — it’s Dash.
One of Shepparton’s best basketball prodigies, Dash Smith, has played a role in helping Victoria Country achieve something it hadn’t done in 35 years at the under-18 National Championships: win the whole thing.
Smith, still only 15, was more sixth-man disciple than go-to guy, yet the 192cm point guard was no passenger during Vic Country’s historic run at Moreton Bay’s South Pine Indoor Sports Centre.
“It was huge playing in this tournament; it was a really high-level competition and physical compared to juniors,” he said.
“The leading campaign to the tournament was a huge factor to our win.
“I’m bottom age, so I was there to experience it and be a good teammate and then give little runs on the court when my team needed me — my role was just to be ready for my number to be called on and bring some energy.
“Overall, the experience was very surreal, getting to meet the other talents across Australia.”
Smith played slim minutes in his side’s first four games, but showed a glimmer of brilliance during an 89-35 win over Northern Territory with nine points and backed it up with an eight-point game against the ACT.
Two small cameos followed, then Smith came alive.
The silky teen racked up 10 points and played the bulk of the game as Vic Country bested Western Australia Country 81-67 in the semi-final, setting up a showstopper against NSW Metro for all the marbles.
Dash Smith goes for a hook shot in the semi final against Western Australia Country.
Smith wouldn’t feature as Vic Country broke its drought with an 83-74 triumph, but in a tournament where banners were finally brought back to the bush, being a bit-part player was no small thing.
In sport, as in life, someone has to be the understudy.
And sometimes, the best seat in the house is right next to the stage.
“The atmosphere was very loud — I couldn’t hear anything on court,” he said.
“Victoria Country has the biggest fan base, and it meant a lot for our rare history of winning.”
Whether or not Vic Country goes on to win another national tournament in the next five, 10 or even 35 years, Smith’s name will be attached to ‘that’ team which snapped the streak.
And if you’re a long-term investor in regional basketball talent, his stock is worth tracking.
Smith is currently cutting his teeth with the Shepparton Gators’ senior squad, which is both a compliment and a crucible.
He linked up with Gators’ senior coach Josh Waight for pre-tournament training at The Bucket Centre, and after seeing what’s required to play senior basketball, Smith has the bit between his teeth and is hungry for more.
“It’s great training, it gets you ready for the physicality and they’re great leaders,” he said.
“They all help you and give you little bits and pieces you can take into your games.”
“Next year, the goals are to win gold again and hopefully aim high to make some national programs and play in the Gators Big V.”
Smith is currently on the Gators’ senior roster, meaning one of his goals may come to fruition earlier than expected.
As for the rest?
Sure, he didn’t consistently light up the box score at the under-18 nationals in 2025 — but if you watched closely, you saw the flashes.
