Basketball fans were treated to some exciting games this past week, and the Dowson Cup changed hands.

In The McDonald’s Whelan Trophy Competition, Christchurch Girls’ High had far too much size for an inexperienced Avonside team, easing to a 116-35 win, where five players reached double figures in scoring, and three above twenty: Aaria Rolleston (22p); Violet Eaton and Alana Wouters (21p apiece); Bella Luhetoa (15p); Sapphire Wairau (12p). Lincoln High recorded their first ever win in the competition over newcomers Hillmorton High, 62-56. Samantha McCrone (16p) and Maddy Craig (11p) led a balanced attack for Lincoln, while Michelle Scott (12p) and Holly Iafeta (10p) kept the hosts close. After coming close against Burnside last week, Rangiora was shell shocked by a tough Middleton Grange school, going down 94-42. Rangiora’s Stella Porter and Kaneisha Bond each snuck into double figures with ten points each.

 

After a close call last week in the #McDsTT, defending the Dowson Cup, Christchurch Boys’ High was forced this week to pass ownership over to Burnside, when they fell 72-57. Cashmere and Ashburton had a game resembling a grindhouse, with Ben Sheat’s team just pulling away to win 67-61. With three starters absent, some younger players had a chance to perform in a tough game, most notably Thomas Webley (24p 14r) and Mitch Mahon (17p 12r). The normally super-efficient shooter Ruben Stanley was harassed into a 2/17 shooting night, but was able to grab 11 boards in the win. Linwood College and Lincoln High had an extremely entertaining game, where the lead changed hands multiple times in the last few minutes, and was tied at 89-89 before Tangaroa Faletolu (15p 6r) tipped in a game winner just before the clock read :00. Rhoi Sanchez was virtually unstoppable (38p 7r 6s) with Aislery Patoc (13p) and JC Kabigting (11p) also featuring in the scoring column for Linwood.

Middleton travelled up to Rangiora, and had 81 shots, but only connected on 20 of them, resigning them to a 61-56 loss, as they tread water with Angus McWilliam still nursing an injury. Ben Carlile-Smith had one of his best games (18p 15r) and Joash Castillo thrived behind the arc (5/15 for his 15p). St. Andrew’s reversed the result from their play in series against St. Bede’s, but only just: 73-71. Bedeans Tom Hughes (27p 12r); Caleb Conyers (16p 9r); and Joma Mabazza (10p) leading the way in what eventuated as a loss.

A very tight opening quarter (tied at 17-17) between Hillmorton and Riccarton had the hallmarks of another close finish, before Hillmorton was able go on a 24-4 run, and put that notion to rest, winning 105-60. Ihaia Kendrew (21p) and Rhys Kershaw (20p) were the main Hillmorton weapons, with Joshua Nickel (14p) and Jibraan Safi (10p) providing some scoring support. For Riccarton, Ozzy Yamit (13p); Carlton Chitongo (12p) and Orion Chau (11p) led the way. In a game played on Thursday, Cathedral took care of Kaiapoi 109-85, with Graeme Patu Vaegaau leading the way (23p).

 

All Results:

Whelan

Christchurch Girls’ 116-35 Avonside Girls’

Kaiapoi 64-45 Burnside

Rangi Ruru 93-25 Ellesmere

Middleton Grange 94-42 Rangiora

Ashburton 103-50 Cashmere

Lincoln 62-54 Hillmorton

St. Andrew's 62-38 St. Margaret's

 

Thompson Division I

Christ's 91-75 Shirley

Burnside 72-57 Christchurch Boys'  (new holder of Dowson Cup)

Rangiora 61-56 Middleton Grange

St. Andrew's 73-71 St. Bede's

Cashmere 67-61 Ashburton

 

Thompson Division II

Papanui 67-49 St. Thomas

Ellesmere 101-94 Hornby

Hillmorton 105-60 Riccarton

Cathedral 109-85 Kaiapoi

Linwood 91-89 Lincoln