Result: ProcureX Mainland Pouākai (87) defeat Southern Hoiho (80)
Mikayla Vaughn would be the story to start off this 2025 semi-final rematch. The Pouākai forward was dominant inside the paint, as Yaeger and Pivec would find opportunities for her to score. Vaughn would give the Pouākai 13 first quarter points and pulling down 4 rebounds along with it. Costly turnovers from the Pouākai off the back of good defence would keep the Hoiho in the match. Both Paige Bradley and Lil Dart would have 3 steals at the half, many of which would result in buckets down the other end. Depsite the turnovers, it'd be Vaughn powering through to end the first half with 19 points, slightly behind the pace to beat the Tauihi record 39 points.
The Hoiho would find themselves down 11 to start the 3rd quarter, but claw the game back as the Pouākai struggled to look after the ball. The visitors would work it and eventually bring it down to a one point game. But at that point, Mckenna Dale would take over. The Pouākai forward would join Mikayla Vaughn with a 30 piece, with the two combining for 60 points and 23 rebounds. It'd be too much for the Hoiho to handle as the gap slowly increased as the clock ran down. Paige Bradley and Lil Dart were massive down the stretch for the visitors but ultimately, the Pouākai would take the first win of the season.
Leading Players:
ProcureX Mainland Pouākai: Mckenna Dale (30p, 11r, 3a, 4s, 1b), Mikayla Vaughn (30p, 12p, 2r, 1s, 1b), Morgan Yaeger (12p, 7a, 1s, 1b)
Southern Hoiho: Lil Dart (22p, 7r, 6a, 4s), Paige Bradley (13p, 4r, 13a, 7s), Bec Pizzey (14p, 6r, 6a, 3s, 2b)
MVP Votes:
Mckenna Dale (Pouākai) - 10
Mikayla Vaughn (Pouākai) - 7
Paige Bradley (Hoiho) - 4
Lil Dart (Hoiho) - 4
Bec Pizzey (Pouākai) - 3
Mikayla Pivec (Pouākai) - 2
Rapid League game:
Result: Mainland Pouākai (36) defeat Southern Hoiho (23)
The early lead would belong to the Hoiho as defence would prevail in the first quarter and the Hoiho would hold the home side to 6 points. Alex Duff would pour in some point for her visiting side in what would be a 12 point total for the young Hoiho. While Alex would have a great game, the Hoiho would struggle the remaining 3 quarters. The Pouākai would use their size to control the boards and outrebound the visitors 27 to 13. Emilia Ainley and Maddy Timms would have 7 apiece, combining for 9 offensive rebounds. The extra possessions would help the Pouākai outscore the Hoiho 10-3 in the second, 12-7 in the third and ultimately 8-3 in the fourth.
Leading Players:
ProcureX Mainland Pouākai: Maddy Timms (8p, 7r, 1a, 2s, 1b), Ava Jones (8p, 3r), Sari Mowbray (8p, 1r)
Southern Hoiho: Alex Duff (12p, 2r, 1s, 1b), Kiana Brown (4p, 1r, 1a), Abby Harris (3p, 1r, 1s)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Ava Jones (Pouākai) - 10
Sari Mowbray (Pouākai) - 6
Alex Duff (Hoiho) - 6
Maddy Timms (Pouākai) - 4
Ruby Cutbush (Pouākai) - 2
Abby Harris (Hoiho) - 1
Millie Simpson (Hoiho) - 1
