The first of three tournaments to decide the 2014 Womens Basketball Championship was held in Christchurch at the weekend.
This year’s Championship looks wide open, not a single team emerging from three days of competition undefeated. Of the nine competing teams only Rotorua Vols (0-4) look to be out of contention for a top four spot.
Nelson Sparks (1-3) also look to be struggling despite the efforts of veterans Nicky Rampton and Kat Jones – Rampton averaged 10.8 ppg.
Waikato Wizards and Harbour Breeze head the standings, both boasting 3-1 records. The Breeze toppled the Wizards 58-54 in the second round of competition but the experienced Natasha Lenden, MiriamStevens and Leanne Walker ensured the Wizards would recover to record three victories.
The Breeze have a nice blend of youth and experience and probably boast a deeper bench than most of their opposition. Deena Franklin 18pts/11rebs led Harbour’s scoring and rebounding against the Wizards and is the key to their success.
Auckland/Counties Hawks have current and past Tall Ferns Natalie Taylor (20.3 ppg) and Charmian Mellars, the tournaments leading rebounder, leading their quest and despite a loss to the Breeze appear to be the team to beat.
Otago Gold Rush’s chances may depend on the availability of White Ferns cricket captain Suzie Bates, the dual international running the point and scoring heavily for the southerners – Bates led all scorers with 85 points. Samara Gallaher (17pts/9 rebs per game) was also in good form for the Gold Rush.
Like the Hawks and Wizards, Canterbury have a 2-1 record, the outstanding youngster Tessa Boagni averaging a 17.7 points/9 rebounds for the Cantabs.
Capital Flyers recovered from a 0-2 start to the bounc back with victories over Waitakere and Rotorua. Their success may depend on the form of 2013 Tall Ferns debutant Stella Beck who produced a 20pts/14rebs performance against Waitakere.
Penina Davidson was also rewarded with her international singlet in 2013 and she is key to Waitakere Lady Rangers chances, the Rangers winning just one game, 73-56 against Otago.
Current Standings (None competition games against Junior Tall Ferns not included)
3-1 Harbour Breeze, Waikato Wizards
2-1 Canterbury , Auckland /Counties Hawks, Otago Gold Rush
2-2 Capital Flyers
1-2 Waitakere Lady Rangers
1-3 Nelson Sparks
0-4 Rotorua Vols
The second tournament will be played in Auckland, June 6-8.
LACEY LOWDOWN 