ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens
If you THINK the Queens needed to find some confidence at the business end of the season THEN no better way to do it then by storming home from 16 points down with 7:54 to play in a semi-final (away) to win 75-70. What a thriller ... and within the space of mere minutes the Queens have their mojo back and are through to a third successive grand final.
If you THINK the Queens were hoping for a finals lift from a star player THEN they will be thrilled with the performance of Florencia Chagas in Saturday's semi-final. The Argentinian star has been a bit up and down through the season as she finds her place (and role) in a Queens team that looks very different to the one she suited up for in 2022. However, the cream always rises to the top and when it most mattered Chagas delivered the goods to help her team pull off a remarkable win.
If you THINK the Queens love driving media coverage (and they are damn good at it) THEN don't leave out coach Tania Tupu when it comes to creating a good storyline. In a strange twist, did you know the Tauihi Coach of the Year in all three seasons of the competition has fallen in the finals against Tupu and the Queens! Here's the list - Jody Cameron (2022), Todd Marshall (2023), Paul Flynn (2024). Perhaps the only way streak will be broken is if Tupu wins the top coaching award herself (smiley face).
If you THINK imports come to New Zealand simply trying to pad their own stats to help with their next gig THEN mark WNBA star Jordan Horston as a player who is throwing that theory in the garbage. Horston wasn't having a great shooing night in Christchurch on Saturday, but instead of stepping back Horston stepped up. and masterfully brought her teammates into the game with 9 times and a terrific second-half defensive assignment on McKenzie Forbes. While Horston's performance may have gone unnoticed to many on the outside, you can be assured that those inside the Queens camp loved what their star import did for the team.
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai
If you THINK the Whai needed a spark at 1-5 and sitting bottom of the Tauihi ladder THEN the insertion of McKenna Dale into the starting five was the moment the Whai's season turned around. Since Dale moved into the starting unit the Whai have gone 6-1 with an average winning margin of 22.8 points. Why Dale started the Whai's first 6 games on the bench remains a mystery, but who cares now given the talented Kiwi and her team prepare for their first grand final.
If you THINK the Whai needed any added motivation ahead of their semi-final against the Kāhu THEN the memory of a 33-pointt loss at Eventfinda Stadium back on October 31 was probably more than enough. Not only was the Halloween nightmare the biggest loss in the Whai's history, but it was also their 10th straight loss to the Kāhu. However, and more importantly, in the two games between the teams since that dirty night the Whai have turned the tables and beaten the Kāhu twice. Halloween is but a distant memory.
If you THINK the Whai can win this year's final THEN they just need to keep doing what they do so well ... run, run, run and shoot, shoot, shoot. The model for success is there for all to see, and the Whai's game style is a pleasure to watch. If they can execute it just one more time it will likely lead to a championship celebration.
If you THINK the Whai need to lift to another level this week to win their first championship THEN don't look on court for the answer because the players are doing their job and doing it very well. The improvement needed this week is in the stands where (to be blunt) the Whai fans need to turn up and show their support. The red-hot Whai have recorded the second-lowest attendances in the competition this season and for a team that plays such an exciting style of basketball and is loaded with so many Kiwi and international stars, the fans need to step it up. No excuses, this is your time Whai fans - turn up and provide the best basketball atmosphere Tauranga has ever seen.
