In the penultimate round of the regular season in the Sal’s NBL Auckland Tuatara’s unbeaten sequence ended at ten after they were defeated 95-83 by Hawkes Bay Hawks on Sunday. Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored 10 points for the Tuatara with Rob Loe adding 12 rebounds to 11 points.

Tuatara forward Charlie Dalton has been rewarded for an outstanding NBL season by being nominated for both the Best Young Player and Most Improved Player Awards for the 2023 season.

Charlie, the MVP at the recent U19 National Championship where Harbour claimed the Men’s title, has held a starting role all season and averaged 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Franklin Bulls remain third on the NBL ladder after downing Taranaki Airs 93-87. Dan Fotu endured some early foul trouble before finishing with 22 points and 7 rebounds while Matt Freeman tallied 11 points.

The Otago Nuggets are in second spot behind the Tuatara after an 86-75 win against the Giants in Nelson. Tai Webster was hugely influential for the Nuggets finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals.

The second Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa season begins this week with the local interest surrounding the performances of Northern Kāhu who begin their season in the South Island taking on Southern Hoiho in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon. 

Kāhu open their home programme on Wednesday July 19 against Mainland Pouākai at Franklin Pools and Leisure Centre. 

Kāhu have bolstered their roster with the signing of Tall Ferns centre Penina Davidson. Unfortunately they have lost the services of Micaela Cocks and Olivia Berry (injured) but there is still a strong North Harbour contingent in their squad.

Jaycin Tini is joined by Keeley Tini who is back after concluding her collegiate career in the States. Ashleigh Udesike (nee Kelman-Poto) and Akiene-Tera Reed also return while Azure Anderson and teenagers Bailey Flavell and Rebecca Moors will get the opportunity to showcase their potential.

Former Harbour Breeze player Waiaria Putaranui-Henderson will suit up for Whai and former Harbour rep Millie Simpson for Southern Hoiho.

Bailey won’t be available for the first couple of Kāhu games as she is currently with the New Zealand team at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan. We wish Bailey and the team well as they take on Japan, China and Samoa in pool play.