It’s pleasing to be able to report that some Kiwis are back on the basketball court – the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) got underway a couple of weeks ago. Tall Ferns Natalie Taylor, Ashleigh Karaitiana, Chevannah Paalvast and Kalani Purcell have all been in action.
Kalani Purcell posted a rare triple double (14 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists) as Southern District Spartans obliterated South West Metro Pirates 124-47 in the opening round. Sister Natalie Taylor chimed in with 27 points for the Spartans.
In another first round game Chevannah Paalvast faced off against Ashleigh Karaitiana as Logan Thunder got the better of RedCity Roar winning 94-81. Both players were in fine form with Paalvast recording 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the Thunder and Karaitiana top scoring for the Roar with 27 points whilst also corralling 9 rebounds. Former Canterbury Wildcats guard Ajiah-Liric Siosiua-Pepe scored 8 points for RedCity.
On Sunday Southern District Spartans made it two wins from two outings with an 85-78 win against Gold Coast Rollers. Taylor was again in good form scoring 22 points and dishing 5 assists.
RedCity Roar eased back to winning ways with a narrow 85-81 win against Northside Wizards on Saturday. Ashleigh Karaitiana had another big game claiming 11 boards to accompany a game high 32 points.
Kayla Kiriau, who won a WBC championship medal with Auckland Dream last year, chipped in with 8 points and 5 rebounds.
LACEY LOWDOWN 