G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa:
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (78) defeated by ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (84)
The Queens extracted a small bit of vengeance in an opening round rematch of last season's Grand Final, as they held off a hard charging Whai squad to secure a six point victory. The game was a physical affair early as the Whai kept the visitors close, down just 1 point at the 1st quarter break. But the Queens defense stiffened in the 2nd term as they built a 10 point halftime lead with stellar defense, especially at the three point line where the held the Whai to 1-15 shooting in the 1st half. The Queens got off to a hot start as Bec Cole hit 2 early threes, but she would be limited to just 4 minutes in total. The scoring slack would be picked up by Kristy Wallace and Jihyun Park as they built a 13 point 3rd quarter lead. But Hannah Hank and Mikayla Cowling would lead the Whai back, pick up the pace and finding the range from deep to cut the lead down to two possessions. But despite the late game wobbles, the Queens would be able to steady themselves late to hit big shots from the free throw line to keep the Whai at arms distance.
Scoreline & Top Performers:
Whai (78): Hannah Hank (21pts, 6rbs, 2ast), Laina Snyder (17pts, 3rbs, 1ast), Mikayla Cowling (13pts, 10rbs, 6ast, 1stl, 1blk)
Queens (84): Kristy Wallace (16pts, 12asts, 1stl), Jihyun Park (16pts, 4ast, 5rbs), Riley Lupfer (15pts, 6rbs, 3stls), Penina Davidson (13pts, 11rbs)
SKY BROADBAND RAPID LEAGUE
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (32) defeated by ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (53)
The Whai came out on their home court and played a tough first quarter to give the home fans hope they would walk away with the first Rapid League win of the season, but then the Queens turned the screws defensively as they held the Whai scoreless in the second quarter to build a 17 point halftime lead. Stella Beck led from the front on both ends as Lou Brown dominated the paint, but it was youngster Keriana Hippolite who led all scorers with 18. The Whai picked up the pace in the third to stay within touch distance, but a lack of shooting from deep to start the game (hitting just 1 of their first 8 3-point attempts) would prove too much to overcome as the Queens took the 21 point victory, 53-32 despite a late flurry from deep for Jade Kirisome.
Top Performers
Whai - Jade Kirisome (14pts, 1rb, 2ast), Sophie Rogers (9pts, 3rbs)
Queens - Keirana Hippolite (18pts, 4ast), Stella Beck (13pts, 2rbs, 1ast, 2stls, 3blks), Lou Brown (10pts, 8rbs, 4ast)
