Don't Poke The Sloth
Two weeks ago the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai (namely McKenzie Forbes) were warned for poking the bear (namely Tahlia Tupaea), but the tide was turned on Saturday night, and in a twist the BNZ Northern Kāhu paid the price for poking the sloth. This might be a good time to explain that a group of bears is known as a sloth. In a very physical game, the Pouākai didn't take a backward step against the competition's leading team - it was a 'roll your sleeves up' performance by the Cantabrians, led by the 'Super Six' of Cassandra Brown, Haleigh Reinoehl, Esra McGoldrick, Mikhaela Cann, McKenzie Forbes and Sharne Robati - who collectively matched every bit of physicality that was thrown at them. In a contest filled with drama, the Pouākai stood their ground and showed that should they make the finals, they will fear no team.
The Value Of Cassandra Brown
It's hard to miss the fact that with Cassandra Brown (back) returning from injury the Pouākai have grabbed wins over the Queens and Kāhu. Yes, the loss in Tauranga against the Whai was a blemish, it happens, but Brown's work against the competition's top two teams cannot be overstated. With Brown back it frees Haleigh Reinoehl to move back into the small forward position, and for Esra McGoldrick to step outside and spread the floor as the team's power forward, which she does so well. Despite arguably running the smallest rotation in Tauihi, if the Pouākai can keep their top six players healthy they will be right in the race at the business end of the season.
Stella Beck Is A Great Leader
A week ago in Christchurch, the exit of Stella Beck (fouled out) saw the ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens slip up late in a game against the Pouākai, but wind the clock forward a week and down in Dunedin it was the Queens captain lifting her team to a nail-biting 86-85 win against the Hoiho. In the last 90 seconds of Sunday's game, and down by 2 points at 80-82, Beck stepped up another level and scored 4 points, took a defensive rebound, grabbed an offensive rebound, dished out an assist and swiped a steal. It was an incredible performance that saw the Queens come out on top - but for those on the inside at the Queens it was just Stella Beck doing Stella Beck things.
The Rim-Runners Who Deserve A Mention
Samantha Bowman (Hoiho) and Haleigh Reinoehl (Pouākai) need a call-out this week for their exceptional rim-running, and for both of them it is creating some headaches for opponents. From battling for rebounds at one end to scoring on the run at the other end, Bowman and Reinoehl are so hard to stop in full flight and both have supreme endurance. The likes of Bowman and Reinoehl are exactly what every coach wants from a forward.
When Visitors Call In To Say Hello
One of the great benefits of having so many talented international players in Tauihi is it also provides an opportunity for their family members to venture to New Zealand for a holiday and a visit. Both Samantha Bowman and Iimar'I Thomas are enjoying a visit from their mums this week and while both players know it's all about business on the court, you can't wipe the smile of their faces off the court. Great to see.
The Rapid League Specialists
We are starting to see a few Rapid League specialists emerge this season, and their output is very impressive. Three players instantly come to mind when talking about the most dominant players in the short-form game - Eva Langton (Whai), Steph Bairstow (Kāhu) and Jacinta Beckley (Queens). The emergence of so many younger players has also been impressive - the likes of Bailey Flavell (Kāhu), Emma and Sophie Rogers (Whai) and Ashlee Strawbridge (Pouākai). There's a lot to like about what we are seeing in Rapid League this season.
