Breeze Continue to Dominate
NZ Force Harbour Breeze saved their best until last as they successfully defended their national title in Dunedin at the weekend. Having lost to Otago Goldrush in the opening game of the tournament 55-62, the Breeze negotiated the remaining games to set up a rematch which they won 71-66.
The Breeze led the final throughout establishing a handy 36-27 half time advantage which was extended to 54-39 by three-quarter time. Otago, however were not finished and led by double international Suzie Bates clawed their way back into the game and closed to within four points with three minutes remaining. Up stepped stand out Breeze guard Noni Wharemata, who had scored 24 points in the semi final victory over Waikato Wizards. The Breeze ensured she saw plenty of the ball in those final minutes and she scored 10 of the last 11 points for the champions, finishing with a game high 26 points. Fellow internationals Karlene Kingi, 15 points and Jody Cameron 14 points, 9 rebounds were also prominent.
The win was also a triumph for Breeze coach Angela Perrott-Hunt who inherited the team from former coach Brett Goebel who had built up a four year record of 58 wins and 2 losses on the way to three championships and a final. ”We didn’t play great basketball in the early part of the tournament but we clicked at the right time and in the final played to our true potential”, said Perrott-Hunt. “Noni showed great leadership and took control of the game in the closing minutes when we needed it” she added. The victory extends the Breeze record to 73 wins and 3 losses and more importantly keeps the WBC trophy in the Harbour trophy cabinet.
Noni, Jody and livewire point guard Amanda Harris were selected for the Tournament All Star 5 and Angela was voted WBC Coach of the year. The only sour note was the ruptured achilles injury suffered by Chelsea Terei in the closing minutes of the game, an injury that keeps her out of this weeks Tall Ferns trial.
Breeze on TV3 News http://www.3news.co.nz/Breeze-blow-over-Goldrush-to-win-championship/tabid/317/articleID/172011/Default.aspx
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