Tokomanawa Queens (88) def. Southern Hoiho (76) - Beck leads the Queens back to the winners circle
The Tokomanawa Queens turned on the style in front of their home crowd in Porirua, holding off a determined Southern Hoiho side 88–76. Led by MVP Stella Beck, who set the tone with her efficiency and leadership on both ends, the Queens’ starting unit found a rhythm early and kept the visitors at arm’s length throughout.
The Hoiho came out strong but were quickly punished for every defensive lapse, with Penina Davidson dominating inside and Kristy Wallace orchestrating the offense. Tokomanawa stretched the lead to double digits in the second quarter, with Beck and Wallace perfect from the field as the home side went into the break up 54–40.
The Hoiho came storming out of halftime with a 9-0 run to cut the margin to five, led by Lillian Dart’s spark off the bench. Just as momentum started to shift, Pahlyss Hokianga-Heather answered with a series of clutch three-pointers to settle the home side. Despite foul trouble for the visitors and a late push that brought the score back within four, the Queens’ composure held firm. Wallace, Louise Brown, and Jihyun Park all produced key plays in the final minutes to keep the game out of reach.
A late foul-out from Claire Jacobs summed up the Hoiho’s frustration as the Queens closed it out to get back to winning ways after their defeat at the hands of the Pouākai on Frida.
Scoreline & Top Performers
Tokomanawa Queens – Stella Beck (13 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST), Kristy Wallace (20 PTS, 2 REB, 9 AST), Penina Davidson (18 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST)
Southern Hoiho – Rebecca Pizzey (18 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST), Paige Bradley (17 PTS, 1 REB, 4 AST), Lillian Dart (12 PTS, 2 REB, 2AST)
Tokomanawa Queens (33) def. Southern Hoiho (29) - Queens Hold Firm in Defensive Duel with Hoiho
The Tokomanawa Queens dug deep for a gritty 33-29 win over the Southern Hoiho in a low-scoring, defensive battle. The Queens took early control by attacking the paint and closing down the Hoiho’s lanes on defence, leading 10-8 after the first. Despite rebounding well, the Hoiho couldn’t convert their opportunities, trailing 16-14 at the half.
The third quarter saw both sides trade baskets, with the Hoiho drawing fouls inside and staying within a single possession. But the Queens held their nerve late, Paige Burrows hit clutch free throws and Josephine Trousdell anchored the defence with key rebounds and steals. A late layup from Lillian Dart rimmed out, sealing a narrow Queens victory in a game decided by hustle and composure.
Tokomanawa Queens – Paige Burrows (8 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST), Pahlyss Hokianga-Heather (8 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST), Josephine Trousdell (2 PTS, 8 REB)
Southern Hoiho – Lillian Dart (5 PTS, 1 REB, 2 AST), Samara Gallaher (5 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST), Eva Langton (9 PTS, 4 REB)
