Senior Winter League Finals Day
The future of New Plymouth basketball is looking bright, with the two high school teams taking out the men’s and women’s premier competitions.
New Plymouth Girls’ High School took on a 99ers team full of Taranaki Trojans (the Women’s Basketball Competition team), but by half-time, the schoolgirls had the match well under control, with their lead extending to 20 points in the third quarter.
Just when spectators thought the game was all over, the 99ers mounted a last quarter charge, clawing back the deficit to a final score of 59 – 51.
NPGHS coach, Trent Adams never looked rattled during the match and paid tribute to his team’s defence.
“They played excellent pressure defence, which created the turn overs for the team, and got us a lot of transition baskets. “Offensively, they shared the ball well,” added Adams. “Teresa Hunt did a great job under the basket.”
In the Men’s Premier Final, things were a lot closer, with the 99ers men’s team leading New Plymouth Boys’ High School 31 – 30 at half-time.
The tight tussle resulted in some truly tremendous basketball from both sides, though with only two subs to call on, the physically bigger 99ers were digging deep into their energy reserves in the second half, and the school team took full advantage.
NPBHS captain, Lachlan Fenwick, continues to impress with his calm and experienced leadership of a squad ranging in age from 15-18, while Derek Albertson had a blinder, scoring 36 of his team’s 77 points, with some brilliant assists from his team-mates.
Coach, Brendon Baxter, credited the boys’ defensive intensity in the third quarter as the point in the game where they were able to pull away from the 99ers.
“We were able to get on the fast break and that changed it for us.”
The final score was 77 – 65.
Irena Brooks
BASKETBALL FINALS DAY RESULTS
Mens Premier: NPBHS 77 99ers 65
Womens’ Premier: NPGHS 59 99ers 51
Mens’ Premier Reserve: BILT Brutes 78 Naki Money 75
Mens’ A Grade: Caffe Blues 51 99ers FDOB 35
Womens’ A Grade NPGHS Junior B 46 Whitecliffs Estate 38
Mens’ B Grade: Icons 37 Cruisers 28
Year 8 Boys’ Final: Devon Intermediate 41 FDMC 38
Junior Basketball Finals will be held at the TSB Stadium Monday 3rd Sept, with the Womens’ Premier Reserve Final yet to be scheduled.
Mens’ Coach of the Year: Brendon Baxter (NPBHS)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Willie Banks (99ers)
Referee of the Year: Tony Eldershaw
Most Improved Referee of the Year: David Cooper
