New Zealand U18 teams off to a good start
The New Zealand Men came up just short in the opening game of the Australian Under 18 State Championships losing 82-80 to Victoria Country. However, the Under 18 Women had an encouraging 74-66 victory over Queensland North.
Leading scorers for the Men were Counties forward Sioeli Vaiangina (17pts) and Nikau McCullough (13pts). North Harbour swing-man Matt Freeman led the rebounding count for the Kiwis with 8 boards to go with 12 points. The other Harbour representative Jackson Stent contributed 5 points.
The New Plymouth pair of Connie Poletti and Kayla Manuirirangi led the NZ Womens effort. Poletti was a monster on the boards for the Women grabbing 13 rebounds as well as adding 9 points. Manuirirangi paced the team with 16 points and was ably supported by Michelle Nicholls (14pts) and Harbour point guard Tiarna Clarke (13pts). Georgia Perrott-Hunt also from Harbour scored 5 points.
In the late game on day 1 the NZ men's team lead by a game high 17 points and 10 rebounds from Matt Freeman beat ACT 100-59!! Jackson Stent also added 10 points to NZ impressive win.
The Men face Queensland South and the Women play Western Australia Metro later today.
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