The game came down to the final seconds with only two points between the teams at full time, 32-34. Armidale had possession of the ball in the dying moments of the game and has the crowded Memorial Hall on the edge of their seats, but were unable to convert and take the game.

Tenterfield High coach Stephen Koch said he was happy with how the team played.

"The boys played a fantastic team game. It was close," Mr Koch said.

"It's always a challenge playing against bigger schools."

With the defeat of Armidale, the Tenterfield under-15s earned the chance to choose between playing a Sydney team in Tenterfield or to travel away and face a North Coast team.

Mr Koch said they had decided to "make the city come to the bush" and bring a Sydney team to Tenterfield in their next game, scheduled for the first week in November.

"It's a good opportunity for the local community to see the standard of basketball in Tenterfield. Win or lose, they will get to see a good game of basketball."