The Miners fell just short of a grand final berth on Friday with a 54-48 loss to the Kilsyth Cobras. The team will now play-off for the final podium spot on Saturday.

Ballarat played Kilsyth to a stand-still during the first three quarters of the semi-final to only trail by a point at three-quarter-time.

The Miners took the lead midway through the final term, but the Cobras prevailed on the back of some timely late baskets.

Ballarat Junior Miners player Sam McDonald said it was a great game.

"We played really well throughout three quarters and kept it close and they got an extra run at the end unfortunately," he said.

"Everyone did really well and we're hoping we can win the bronze."

More than 576 athletes, 192 club officials and 60 technical officials took part in the week-long event held at the Ballarat Sports Events Centre.

McDonald praised the facility for what it had to offer.

"We got to play a lot of new players and saw lots of new teams and how they play," he said.

"We got to see what the best teams are like and that helped us play to their level."

The match marked the first time a junior Miners team secured a semi-final berth at the championships.

The event, which wraps up on Saturday, drew approximately 1200 visitors to the city.