Coach Baxter had the luxury of giving all his team a run during their last game at the U19 Nationals in Tauranga on Queens Birthday Monday. The starters steadily built a margin and by the end of the third period they had a 30 point lead. The two teams pretty much matched each other in size with both lacking in a 6’8”- 6’10” centre, a must have to have any hope of gaining a top four berth at this Tournament.

Pictured: Leith Cowie drives base in a Premiership game against Wellington ultimate winners of the U19 Nationals.

North Canterbury had no answers to New Plymouth’s relentless offense and it was only when Coach Baxter handed the reins to the bench that the Canterbury team saw a glimmer of hope. The tide turned in the fourth quarter and New Plymouth struggled to get the ball over half way at times forcing Coach Baxter to bring on experienced guard Aled Jones in the last minute when the margin narrowed to 9.

It was always too big an ask for North Canterbury to wipe out the 30 point deficit in the final quarter. Leith Cowie wrapped up the game and tournament with two free throws giving New Plymouth the 93-82 win.

New Plymouth finished in 10^th spot when Tauranga did them a favour in beating Canterbury 81-70. The 11 point spread ensured Tauranga secured 9^th spot and on count back New Plymouth were one place behind.

New Plymouth U17 Women also finished up in 10^th spot when they played Counties Manukau at North Harbour today. New Plymouth couldn’t head off a strong Counties team and went down 42-60 in the playoff for 9^th and 10^th positions. This was an improvement on 2010 when they finished up 13^th in the sixteen team tournament held in Palmerston North.