Sport
22 February, 2026
Duo facing up to basketball
THEY’LL be seen on all things junior basketball in 2026, their faces gracing posters and other promotional material to encourage children’s participation in the sport.
Ivy Craighead and Mackalistair Wells (Cal) are the Lackon 2026 Faces of Junior Basketball, chosen from a campaign competition because of their passion, commitment and positive influence on the game.
The lucky pair will receive professional photographs and mentoring opportunities from Cairns Basketball, as well as helping to promote a sport they both love.
For Ivy, being a ‘face’ for junior basketball was an honour.
“I am proud and excited,” she said.
“Cairns Basketball has been a big part of my life and … I hope I can encourage and support as many kids as I can to play such an awesome sport. I am looking forward to … seeing everyone around the courts.”
Cal said he couldn’t wait to get out and “teach little ones how to play”.
“I love basketball for many reasons – one of them is that I get to build connections with other players,” he said.
“I just want the best for all junior players so they can learn and have fun.”
Project and construction management company Lackon has the naming rights to Cairns Junior Basketball for 2026.
Project management director Luke Carruthers said the move was “a natural extension of the company’s commitment to giving back to the local community”.
“Junior basketball is such an important part of that (community),” he said.
“Cairns Basketball provides young people with opportunities to build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop lifelong skills both on and off the court.”
Cairns Basketball general manager Luca Vergari congratulated Ivy and Cal who were chosen from a group of “brilliant young people who submitted entries” that reflected the strength of junior basketball across the region.
“They both demonstrate enthusiasm, respect for the game and a genuine love of being part of the basketball community.”
