Team Russia, proudly represented by Omanu Primary School, are Tauranga's Miniball World Cup basketball champions.

The Mt Maunganui school took the title in a dramatic cup final victory over Greece, represented by Greenpark Primary, in last week's year 5/6 event at ASB Arena.

A total of 32 Bay of Plenty schools brought teams to the World Cup, giving kids the chance to get a taste of the sport the New Zealand Secondary Sports Council says is the fastest growing in the country.

All teams represented nations of the world and were encouraged to dress up in costumes appropriate to the countries they were associated with.

The sartorial efforts of Jamaica, otherwise known as Bethlehem College, and St Mary's, who came as Puerto Rico, caught the eye of the judges who awarded them the best dressed prize for the day.

As well as giving the youngsters a fun day, the tournament is an opportunity for selectors from Tauranga City Basketball to identify outstanding up and coming talent.

Te Akau Ki Papamoa's Eden Tapsell, Jerome Bidois of Maungatapu Primary, Kayalee Gardiner of Greenpark, and Omanu's George Lynskey and Regan Wilson were named as their team of the tournament.

Runners Up Greece (Greenpark Primary).Champions Russia (Omanu Primary).

Champions Russia (Omanu Primary).

Tauranga City Basketball's Miniball World Cup Team of the Tournament.