Result: Southern Hoiho (84) defeat Tokomanawa Queens (81)
The Southern Hoiho pulled off a dramatic 84-81 victory over the Tokomanawa Queens at the Edgar Centre, with Paige Bradley sinking a three-pointer as time expired to snatch the win in a game that had everything.
The Hoiho came out of the blocks on fire, racing to a 26-21 lead after the first quarter behind sharp shooting from Lil Dart and Marie Bertholdt, who combined for multiple three-pointers to put Southern in the driver's seat. The Queens steadied in the second quarter, with Charlisse Leger-Walker catching fire from deep to keep Tokomanawa within striking distance. By halftime, the Hoiho's lead had been trimmed to 45-41.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the Queens finally finding their groove. Hailey Van Lith and Taylor Mikesell sparked a run that saw Tokomanawa take a 63-61 lead into the final frame. The fourth quarter was a tense, seesaw battle, with neither team able to build a comfortable cushion. Bec Pizzey was huge for the Hoiho, hitting a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 79-79 with 1:38 remaining, and Lillian Dart added key buckets down the stretch.
With the game tied at 81-81 and the clock winding down, the Queens had a chance to win it, but Charlisse Leger-Walker's three-pointer missed with 10 seconds remaining. The Hoiho grabbed the rebound, and after a timeout, Bradley found herself with the ball in her hands. She didn't hesitate, rising up and draining the game-winning three as the buzzer sounded, sending the Edgar Centre crowd into raptures.
For the Hoiho, Bradley's buzzer-beater capped off a balanced scoring effort, with Dart, Bertholdt, and Pizzey all making significant contributions. The Queens were led by Charlisse Leger-Walker scoring a career high 7 three pointers, and Van Lith's all-around play, but they were left to rue a missed opportunity in the dying seconds.
It was a heart-stopping finish to a game that showcased the best of Tauihi basketball, with the Hoiho emerging victorious in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Leading Players
Southern Hoiho: Paige Bradley (17P, 3R, 9A), Lil Dart (20P, 3R, 6A), Marie Bertholdt (16P, 7R, 3A)
Tokomanawa Queens: Charlisse Leger-Walker (32P, 3R, 4A), Hailey Van Lith (2oP, 7R, 3A), Taylor Mikesell (11P, 3R, 5A)
Rapid League game:
Result: Southern Hoiho (10) are defeated by Tokomanawa Queens (31)
The Tokomanawa Queens never trailed on their way to a convincing 31-19 win over the Southern Hoiho at the Edgar Centre, controlling the contest from the opening minutes and never letting their foot off the gas.
Tokomanawa set the defensive tone early, limiting the Hoiho to just three points in the opening quarter while building an 11-3 cushion. The Hoiho found some rhythm in the second period, with Zoe Richards and Millicent Simpson combining for 10 points to trim the deficit to 15-13 by halftime. But that momentum proved fleeting, as the Queens came out of the break and suffocated Southern's offense, conceding just a single point in the third quarter to stretch their lead to 25-14.
Nahala Toeleiu was the engine behind the Queens' dominance, stuffing the stat sheet with timely baskets, critical steals, and a presence on the boards that the Hoiho simply couldn't match. Aria Cowley and Grace Hunter provided steady support, knocking down shots and creating opportunities for their teammates. For the Hoiho, Richards and Simpson did their best to keep their side within striking distance, but the offense stalled repeatedly against Tokomanawa's swarming defense.
The final quarter was a formality, with the Queens maintaining a double-digit cushion throughout. The Hoiho managed just five points in the period, and by the time the final buzzer sounded, Tokomanawa had cruised to a 12-point win.
It was a performance built on defensive discipline and balanced scoring for the Queens, while the Hoiho were left to ponder what might have been after a promising second-quarter push fizzled out.
Leading Players
Southern Hoiho: Millicent Simpson (8P, 2R, 2A), Zoe Richards (6P, 7R)
Tokomanawa Queens: Nahala Toeleiu (13P, 8R, 2A), Alaska Rhebok (8P, 1R,1A)
