Result: Southern Hoiho (86) defeat BNZ Northern Kāhu (69)
This match would be all Lil Dart. The Hoiho guard would light it up from all over the court. Her influence was felt immediately as the Hoiho would take an early 12-4 lead. Paige Bradley would live up to her all-time assist leader status as she'd manage to find her Hoiho teammates on their cuts. The Kāhu would bring themselves close with Erin Bollmann's hustle and aggression on both sides of the court. The first quarter would come to a close with a 6 point lead for the home side Hoiho. The second quarter would dig into that lead slightly as the Kāhu would win out the quarter 14-13. Lil Dart would take over in the third quarter once again. She'd go on a 12 point scoring run for her side as the gap widened. The Kāhu would have no answers defensively as the Hoiho extended their lead. The fourth quarter would be the biggest deficit as the Hoiho would seal the match with a 24-15 quarter.
Leading Scorers
Southern Hoiho: Lil Dart (33p, 6r, 5a, 1s, 1b), Bec Pizzey (23p, 5r, 3a, 1s), Paige Bradley (4p, 5r, 11a, 3s)
BNZ Northern Kāhu: Tayla Dalton (16p, 2r, 2a, 4s), Talya Brugler (16p, 6r, 2s), Mo Mullings (14p, 5r, 1a, 3b)
MVP Votes:
Lil Dar (Hoiho) - 10
Bec Pizzey (Hoiho) - 8
Tayla Dalton (Kāhu) - 6
Talya Brugler (Kāhu) - 3
Paige Bradley (Hoiho) - 3
Rapid League game:
Result: Southern Hoiho (25) are defeated by BNZ Northern Kāhu (49)
Having flexed their depth and strength all season, the Kāhu continued their winning ways down in Dunedin. The undefeated visitors would come out of the gate looking in top form as they'd drop in 29 first half points while holding the Hoiho to just 10 in 14-4 and 15-6 splits. The Kāhu showcased their ability to play as a cohesive unit with 5 players each having an assist as they entered the half. Despite 10 points from Zoe Richards and Tia Pavihi, the Kāhu were too strong as the five starters each put up 7+ points each. They continued their strong showing It'd be a decisive victory for the undefeated squad.
Leading Scorers
Southern Hoiho: Zoe Richards (10p, 5r, 1b), Tia Pavihi (9p, 1a), Kiana Brown (6p, 3r, 1a)
BNZ Northern Kāhu: Emily Monaghan (10p, 4r, 1a), Azure Anderson (9p, 4r, 1a, 1s), Kayla Manuirirangi (9p, 1a, 2s)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Emily Monaghan (Kāhu) - 9
Shanique Lucas (Kāhu) - 9
Tia Pavihi (Hoiho) - 4
Olivia Williams (Kāhu) - 3
Zoe Richards (Hoiho) - 3
Azure Anderson (Kāhu) - 2
