photo credit: @juniorfilmsnz
Time Has Come To Let Flavell Fly
The BNZ Northern Kāhu coaching staff need to find a way to inject young star Bailey Flavell into the game, they are missing a trick here, and their reluctance to let Flavell fly may have been a contributing factor in their R3 loss to the Pouākai.
Flavell (17-years-old) is averaging 12.7 minutes per game in the Rapid League, for a return of 10 points per game (3rd best in RL), sitting only behind Steph Bairstow (30-year-old) and Jacinta Beckley (29-years-old). That in itself is super impressive for the youngster.
However, Flavell's playing time across the Kāhu's three Tauihi games she has suited-up for reads DNP (Hoiho), DNP (Queens), DNP (Pouākai). Why?
In a humbling loss to the Pouākai last Saturday night, the Kāhu found a way to play a clearly injured Megan Mullings for nearly three minutes - for a total return of zero shots, one turnover, two fouls and no other stats - yet Flavell sat glued to the bench. Why?
After her amazing haul of 39.5 points per game at the recent secondary school nationals, a Tall Ferns debut in 2023, and dominant displays this season in the Rapid League, the time has come for the Kāhu coaching staff to get Flavell fly in Tauihi.
Whai Need To Start McKenna Dale ... Quickly
Something doesn't seem quite right at the Whai - why is McKenna Dale coming off the bench? One of the best players of the 2023 Tauihi season was thought to have come into the 2024 season with a hand or finger injury, which maybe explains the cautious approach, but to be fair we have hardly seen any sign of discomfort from the sharpshooter over the opening three weeks, so what gives?
The Whai dropped both games in R3, however Dale played well above par and did her bit with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 triples against the Queens, before delivering 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks and 4 triples against the Hoiho. The complexity seems to be with the Whai's preference to start Jade Kirisome, who over the same two R3 games collectively scored 1 point on 0/11 shooting.
Regardless of whether starting Kirisome over Dale has been about injury, match-ups, or experimentation, it's time to give it up and get Dale into the starting line-up ... quickly.
Queens Need Depth To Step Up
The ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens are settling in nicely for the journey ahead - two wins from three games and, seemingly, a squad that continues to get more acquainted with each other as the days roll by. The difference between the offensive play between R2 and R3 was very evident as the previously lowest scoring team in the league erupted with a 60-point first half as the Queens took down the Whai last Friday night. They are clicking.
However, question marks continue to hang over the depth of the Queens squad with a Rapid League team struggling to score, and also struggling to stop the opposition from scoring. The overall talent level in Tauihi has gone to a new level in 2024, no question, and with the bar rising so too does the pressure down the roster for each team.
To be a genuine title threat every team will need a core rotation of 8-9 players, meaning the Queens will be looking to Grace Hunter, Jacinta Beckley, Lauryn Hippolite and Awatea Leach to deliver at a high level when their number is called. First and foremost, that execution and performance will need to come in Rapid League and at 0-3 (68 points for / 115 points against) a sharp improvement is needed.
A Cann Do Attitude Goes a Long Way
On so many fronts, Mikhaela Cann's story needs to be told. Playing pro hoops in a foreign country, and mum to three children, Cann doesn't have a spare moment most days, but when game time comes around Mikhaela is a warrior completely switched on to the task at hand.
Cann's performance against the Kāhu last Saturday night was extraordinary, in particular a purple-patch first half that set the mood for an outstanding win by the Pouākai. Cann's heroics played a major part in the memorable victory.
Cann's 26 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 triples paved the way for the win, and ensured opponent Krystal Leger-Walker had her hands full at both ends of the court. It was also the Pouākai's first ever win over the Kāhu in seven games, and the first time the Kāhu had lost a game since August last year (a run of 10 straight wins).
Is Nat Chou Early Leader For Defensive Player Of The Year?
While Samantha Bowman, Paige Bradley and Ahlise Hurst received plenty of the spotlight for the Hoiho after Sunday's win against the Whai, it was Natalie Chou who deserved the highest of praise. In his pre-game interview, Hoiho coach Todd Marshall made mention of two things - the first was his desire to see his team play better defense after a 0-3 start, and the second was his choice for Chou to get the defensive job on league-leading scorer and Whai superstar Ashley Joens.
On both fronts, Marshall must have been thrilled with the outcome as the Hoiho won 83-76, forced the Whai into 18 turnovers from which his Hoiho team scored 22 points, and Chou completely negated Joens, holding the WNBA star to 10 points on 2/10 shooting.
Looks like Chou might be an early frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.
Iimar'I Thomas Is On The Way To Being A Tauihi Legend
Californian Iimar'I Thomas is on the way to being a legend on Tauihi, this time via an equaling of the competition's best points haul (37 points) - matching her 2023 teammate Tess Madgen. Thomas' performance against the Pouākai also pushed her past 400 points in Tauihi, the first player to do so.
In so many ways Thomas and her classy game is similar to that of Kiwi legend Pero Cameron. While seeming to be undersized to hold down a power forward spot, Thomas continues to shift opponents with her amazing strength and skillful sealing in the paint. Additionally, her basketball smarts and feathered footwork is so much fun to watch.
Th Rise Of Esra McGoldrick Continues
The 'team effort' by the Pouākai in their win over the Kāhu was a highlight in R3 - from start to finish this was a team totally committed to the cause, and they executed a winning game plan. Clearly part of the plan was to clog the paint, hunt rebounds, and ensure Penina Davidson and Tahlia Tupaea were always contested when in possession. Yes, Iiamr'I Thomas had a big night, but by quelling two of the big three it ended in a positive result for the home team.
Of note was Esra McGoldrick's big plays down the stretch, at both ends of the court. McGoldrick looked like she wanted the ball in her hands, like she was wanted to be 'the difference' when the game was on the line. She looked like a pro player, which is a great sign for both the Pouākai, and the Tall Ferns.
