In Wellington the Under 15 Girls steam rolled their way to an emphatic 94-41 win over Porirua in the National Championship final. The team led by Sophie Bond were just too strong in every department for their opponents. Tera Reed was voted Tournament MVP and Tiarna Clark who piled in 19 points in the final was also a member of the tournament team.

In Tauranga the Under 13 Boys were also crowned champions overcoming local rivals Waitakere 67-54 in a keenly fought final. The all round ability of the Harbour team carried them to victory. 6th man Harrison Clark was selected tournament MVP whilst James Moors and Kruz Perrott –Hunt both made the tournament team.

In addition to winning five of the ten national age group championships on offer Harbour teams finished runner-up in both the Under 19 Men’s and Under 21 Men’s tournaments and finished third in the Under 19 Women’s tournament.

All at Harbour Basketball associated with the representative programme are to be congratulated for the outstanding successes of 2012 especially the winning coaches; James Ballinger (U21 Women), Lawrence Lianda (U17 Men), Shane Furness (Under 17 Women), Justine Reed (Under 15 Women), Nick Claasen (U13 Boys).

To complete the picture the Harbour Breeze WBC team finished 4th this year and the Harbour Heat finished 9th in the NBL. Harbour Basketball is the only basketball Association in New Zealand that is represented in each age-group from Under 13 all the way to the Senior teams.

There is no doubt which area is the powerhouse of New Zealand basketball at present as in addition, North Harbour is home to Westlake Boys High School the National Secondary School Champions.

By Mike Lacey