G.J. GARDNER HOMES TAUIHI
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (89) defeat Southern Hoiho (74) after a dominant second quarter put them in front for good.
The Whai came out looking to grab a win on their home court for the first time this season, but found themselves down 1 at quarter time as Claire Jacobs carried the offensive load for the Hoiho, who were also chasing their first win of the season. But in the second quarter the Whai began to find space in the paint behind Laina Snyder and Hannah Hank, who would both grab double doubles on the night, pressing their interior advantage to double up the Hoiho with a 28-14 quarter to head into the changing sheds with a double figure lead. The Hoiho would try to work their way back into the game as Taylah Simmons found form in the second half, but the Whai collective would keep the Hoiho at arms length, combining a 10 rebound advantage with tough defense that would allow just 35% shooting from the floor and 26% shooting from deep.
Scoreline & Top Performers:
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (89)- Hannah Hank (23pts, 10rbs, 1ast), Emme Shearer (22pts, 4rbs, 1ast, 1 stl), Jessica Mcdowell-White (16pts, 6rbs, 8ast), Lainai Snyder (11pts, 13rbs, 5ast, 1blk, 1stl)
Southern Hoiho (74) - Taylah Simmons (23pts, 2rbs), Paige Bradley (12pts, 3rbs, 4ast), Claire Jacobs (11pts, 6rbs)
SKY BROADBAND RAPID LEAGUE:
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (40) def. Southern Hoiho (16) The Whai find a different gear in the 4th quarter to run away with the result.
The Whai jumped out of the gates with a balanced attack to build an 8-0 lead early in the second quarter but then the Hoiho found their pace and worked their way back into the game as an Elise Gilbert free throw cut the lead to 6 at the half time break. The pace quickened in the 3rd period as the Hoiho kept up the chase by putting pressure on the offensive glass and finding the range from three to cut the lead to one, before the Whai would respond with pace and a pair of threes of their own to enter the final term up 23-16. But the Whai would find a different gear in the final term, dominating play on both ends as they scored 17 unanswered points to run away with the game 37-16 as every player hit the scoresheet with six scoring 5 or more points.
Scoreline & Top Performers:
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (40) - Sophie Rogers (9pts, 2rbs), Jade Kirisome (8pts, 1rb, 2ast), Sophie Locandro (6pts, 6rbs, 1ast, 1blk)
Southern Hoiho (16)- Sammy Gallaher (4pts, 6rbs, 1ast), Elise Gilbert (3pts, 5rbs)
