Result: ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (81) are defeated by Southern Hoiho (82)
For the Hoiho the goal was simple, defeat the Queens and clinch their spot in the Final Four. For the Queens, their goal was equally as simple, get a win on the board. For the Hoiho, it started in their favour. A 23-20 first quarter and a 21-20 second quarter would give them some breathing room of 4 points as they headed into the lockerroom. The Queens would eliminate that lead as momentum began to build from Taylor Mikesell scoring and Krystal Leger-Walker dimes. The floor general would have 13 assists at the end of the 3rd quarter. A feat she'd done for the second time this season. Both teams would keep it close, trading momentum swinging buckets, until ultimately the Queens would hold a 1 point lead. With 6 seconds left, down 1, Paige Bradley would drive and the Queens defence would collapse, allowing a dish to an open Julie Wojta who would capitalise on a open lane. She'd give the Hoiho a 1 point lead with 0.5 seconds left. The Queens with the ball would be unable to make one last shot and would leave defeated at the hands of a clutch Hoiho bucket once again.
Leading Players:
ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens: Taylor Mikesell (22p, 1r, 1a, 1s), Penina Davidson (18p, 6r, 1a), Charlisse Leger-Walker (17p, 8r, 3a, 1s)
Southern Hoiho: Lil Dart (23p, 4r, 4a, 3s), Paige Bradley (21p, 4r, 13a, 1s), Julie Wotja (14p, 6r, 2a, 2s, 2b)
MVP Votes:
Paige Bradley (Hoiho) - 7
Lil Dart (Hoiho) - 7
Taylor Mikesell (Queens) - 7
Julie Wotja (Hoiho) - 4
Penina Davidson (Queens) - 4
Charlisse Leger-Walker (Queens) - 1
Rapid League game:
Result: ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (53) defeat Southern Hoiho (33)
The Queens would open an early 8-2 lead only for the Hoiho to close it within two possessions. Both sides would keep it even throughout the first half, the only seperation, a 3 from Grace Hunter right before the halftime buzzer. The Hoiho would stretch an early lead into the second half but Ameia Williams would put up 8 of her INSERT in the 3rd and propel the Queens to a 16-6 3rd quarter. The momentum would continue in the fourth for the home side. They'd put up a 15 points to the Hoiho's 7 to take a dominant win. Putting up 53 points would give the Tokomanawa Queens the Tauihi league record.
Leading Players:
ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens: Ameia Williams (14p, 4r, 2a), Hana Lacey-Rameka (12p, 3r, 2a), Alaska Rhebok (11p, 1r, 2a)
Southern Hoiho: Tia Pavihi (10p, 2s), Abby Harris (10p, 3r, 2a), Aria Brown (4p, 6r, 2a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Ameia Williams (Queens) - 9
Hana Lacey-Rameka - 9
Abby Harris (Hoiho) - 6
Alaska Rhebok (Queens) - 4
Tia Pavihi (Hoiho) - 2
