G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (89) defeat Southern Hoiho (74)
The Whai grabbed their first home win of the season, using a dominant second quarter to take control for good. The Whai frontcourt of Hannah Hank and Laina Snyder repeatedly carved out space inside, powering a 28-14 period and a double-digit halftime lead. Southern rallied behind Taylah Simmons after the break, but Tauranga’s collective defense held the Hoiho to 35% FG and 26% 3PT, and a +10 rebound edge kept the hosts in command.
Top Performers
Whai: Hank 23p 10r, Emme Shearer 22p, Jessica McDowell-White 16p 6r 8a, Snyder 11p 13r 5a
Hoiho: Simmons 23p, Paige Bradley 12p 4a, Claire Jacobs 11p 6r
Sky Broadband Rapid League
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (40) def. Southern Hoiho (16)
A 17-0 fourth-quarter burst blew the game off it's hinges as every Whai player hit the scoresheet. The Win was the first of the season for the Whai and the scoreless final term sends the Hoiho to 0-2.
Top performers
Whai: Sophie Rogers 9p, Jade Kirisome 8p, Sophie Locandro 6p 6r
Hoiho: Sammy Gallaher 4p 6r, Elise Gilbert 3p 5r
Saturday Oct 4 - ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens vs Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai
Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua
Rapid League 2.00pm, Tauihi 3.00pm
How to watch: Sky Sport 3 from 2:00pm (NZT) and internationally on ESPN3 (USA) and FIBA YouTube from 3:00pm (NZT)
What to look for:
Perimeter gravity: Bec Cole is out but the shooting of Riley Lupfer and Jihuyn Park can still stretch help, while Taylor Mikesell and Marena Whittle warp coverage for Mainland.
Crash the glass: Pouākai have been ruthless on the boards. but Penina Davidson and Lou Brown have a similar impact for the Queens. Who controls the boards controls the tempo.
Pace of Play: The speed of the Pouākai proved tough to tame in the opening round but the Queens may have the most deliberate style in the competition this season. Can the Queens get back with haste? Can the Pouākai grind it out in the half court when slowed down?
The Big Question:
This one is all about the boards as two teams who can mash the glass on both ends will look to impose their will on the low block. Will it be the Queens, slowing possession and grinding out the half court or will it be the Pouākai using the d glass to ignite transition opportunities. Two styles meet but only one will gain the upper hand.
Sunday Oct 5 – BNZ Northern Kāhu vs Southern Hoiho
Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Rapid League 2.00pm, Tauihi 3.00pm
How to watch: Sky Sport 4 from 2:00pm (NZT) and internationally on ESPN3 (USA) and FIBA YouTube from 3:00pm (NZT), Live stream on Sky Sport NZ Tik Tok
What to look for
Rebound test: Kāhu need a committee approach on the glass to limit Jessie Edwards, Rebecca Pizzey and Zoe Richards second chances. The Hoiho will need to did deep into the energy reserves as they hit the road for the second time this weekend and third time to start the season.
Point-of-attack pressure: Will Tahlia Tupaea and Aliyah Matharu take items off of Paige Bradley’s pick-and-roll menu? Who will take the reigns for the Kāhu offense?
Shot profile: If the Hoiho live at the stripe it becomes a half-court grind but if the Kāhu find corner threes early the pace picks up and the game flow will lean in the direction of the home team.
The Big Question:
Haleigh Reinoehl was dominant in round 1 against the Pouākai and will come up against a mobile Hoiho front line that struggled against those same Pouākai. Will Reinoehl and co. get the upper hand or will the Hoiho collective control possession?
