The second round review of the Auckland Secondary Schools Girl’s Senior A games is brought to you by Northern Kāhu.
The round saw victories for Manurewa High, Takapuna Grammar, Northcote College and Massey High.
At Pulman Arena, a dominant display by Manurewa carried them to a 73-25 victory against a young Mount Roskill Grammar side.
Following on from her 30 points haul last weekSela Uluheua again top scored with 25 points, 12 of those in the first half as Manurewa built a 40-14 lead.
Mariona Monga (13 points) and Shirly Tuilimu (12 points) were also in double figures for ‘Rewa.
Bree Ioane battled bravely in a losing cause for Roskill scoring 12 points.
Manurewa 73 – S Uluheua 25, Monga 13, Shirly Tuilimu 12, A Uluheua 9,
Mt Roskill 25 – Bree Ioane 12, Nelly Ioane 3
Qaizden Stephano and Bailey Flavell, making her senior debut, dominated the early proceedings. The pair combined for the opening 10 points of the game and the first 17 points for Takapuna Grammar as the home team established a 27-10 first quarter lead over One Tree Hill.
Resistance from OTH came in the shape of a couple of threes from Harriate Heta and transition baskets from Angelica Vahai but with Manaia Watson picking holes in the OTH defence Taka were flying at half-time, ahead 52-22.
The third period was much more of an even contest as OTH gained scoring contributions from Jesse-Lee Upu, Melaia Tuisuua and Milla Eckford – losing the quarter by a single basket.
Amy McKenzie scored half a dozen fourth quarter points as Taka eased to a second straight win ahead of a trip to Mt Roskill Grammar next week.
A dominant opening quarter set the tone for Northcote College as they recorded a 69-52 road win against Auckland Girls Grammar.
DJ Hannah and Nikki Gear knocked down early threes as Northcote established an 18-7 lead – both players were in double figures by half-time with the lead extended to 42-22.
Harmony Hurt and Grady Nikoia led an AGGS revival in the third but further triples from Liz May and Misha Aitchison helped Northcote increase their lead.
Grady Nikoia took her tally into double figures in the fourth but a Northcote victory was never in doubt.
AGGS 52 – G Nikoia 14, Hurt 6, Zara Leavasa-Avauli 6, Tatyana Ioelu 6,
Northcote 69 – N Gear 21, Hannah 15, L Gear 10, Lily Morgan 9, Liz May 6
With six players scoring nine points or more Massey High proved far too good for Avondale College winning 118-24.
Having been unable to play last week Massey made up for lost time running up 39 points in the opening quarter with Kortni Waikiki and Allyah Leusogi-Ape to the fore – six players on the scoresheet in the early stages.
Cyntalia Schuster, Zhoey Tilby-Woods and Tahlya Waikiki would also go on to register double digits in a rather one sided contest.
Shiloh Caffery and Maya Loomes were bright lights for Avondale in a losing cause.
The second round review of the Auckland Secondary Schools Girl’s Premier Grade, brought to you by Northern Kāhu, saw Westlake Girls High, Baradene College and Mt Albert Grammar School move to 2-0. There was also a win for newly promoted St Kentigern College.
Waimanu Clarken, with 30 points, powered Mt Albert Grammar School to a convincing 83-42 home win against Epsom Girls Grammar.
Clarken had 11 points in the opening period as MAGS opened up a 26-9 lead.
Maya Fowler led the Epsom response in the second but triples from Valana Pupuke-Robati and Danae Tait helped MAGS to a 53-18 half-time advantage.
Talia Vea and Kiki Reti kept the score ticking over for the visitors but a fine all-round team performance gave MAGS a second straight victory ahead of a sterner test against Westlake next week.
In the closest game of the round newly promoted Saint Kentigern College collected their first victory of the season, a 54-42 road win at Carmel College.
Mania Rogers led the way for St Kent’s scoring 19 points, while Jemma Cammell tallied 16 points for Carmel.
Nerisa Vavau helped the visitors establish a 13-9 quarter time lead which stretched to 24-17 at the interval, Rogers scoring all 11 of St Kent’s second quarter points.
Hannah Bellett’s seven third quarter points kept Carmel in the hunt, although Sharmaine Tapling was instrumental in pushing the St Kent’s advantage out to 41-31 at the three-quarter mark.
Carmel plugged away in the fourth but every basket by the home side was met with a counter punch from St Kent’s – Carmel unable to reduce the deficit below eight points at any stage during the closing minutes.
For the second week running dominant performances from Summer Faleafa and Ritorya Tamilo propelled Baradene College to a convincing victory, defeating Rangitoto College 86-36.
A couple of threes from Aroha Riley gave Rangitoto a good start but Faleafa was already in double figures with Baradene ahead 22-11 after one period.
Maddy Skelton and Zaara Sain made a couple of scores for Rangi but Faleafa and Tamilo combined for 23 second quarter points to stretch the advantage to 49-20.
The second half continued in a similar vein, Baradene building a substantial lead – Emily Burrows dropping couple of threes along the way.
Faleafa finished with a game high and round high 35 points.
Westlake Girls High completed a comfortable 91-37 home victory over St Mary’s.
Westlake had 28 points on the board by quarter time – Mackenzie Chatfield and Amy Pateman doing most the damage.
Kodee Williams-Sefo, Tamzin Jakeman and Trinity Atiga all worked hard for St Mary’s but they were swimming against a red and green tide that showed no signs of relenting.
Rebecca Moors and Amiya Fotu joined the Westlake double digit contributors for the second week running ahead of a clash with another unbeaten team – Mt Albert Grammar School.
The second round review of the Auckland Secondary Schools Boys Premier Grade games, brought to you by Dynamic Sport New Zealand, features wins for Mt Albert Grammar and the three North Shore teams.
The individual performance of the week undoubtedly belongs to Dontae Russo-Nance who scored 50 points in St Kentigern’s 95-71 loss to Rosmini College.
Named 2021 Young Player of the Year at the BBNZ Awards Dinner last weekend Russo-Nance exhibited his range of scoring options, from inside and out, in a performance that oozed class.
St Kent’s, again without the services of starters Merrick Rillstone and Frankie Groves, made an encouraging start as they trailed by just three points at quarter time (22-19).
Russo-Nance had reached a lazy 28 points by half-time but the triple threat of Charlie Dalton, Tom Beattie and Julius Halaifonua carried Rosmini to a 46-35 lead.
Max Johnson made a couple of scores either side of the interval but his next best (6 points) for St Kent’s emphasised the scoring load Russo-Nance was carrying.
That load began to creak in the third as Dalton, playing a strong hand at both ends of the court, scored 11 point in the period to extend the Rozza advantage to 70-54.
The lead was never threatened in the final stanza – Lucas Schnuriger’s corner three the cherry on the victory cake for the hosts.
Rosmini 95 – Dalton 31, Beattie 25, Julius Halaifonua 22
St Kentigern 71 – Russo-Nance 50, Max Johnson 6
The game of the round was at Mt Albert Grammar where Dante Matakatea held his nerve at the foul line to carry the home team to a 62-61 victory against local rivals Auckland Grammar.
With the scores level at 61 apiece and only 0.3 seconds left on the clock Matakatea was awarded two free-throws – his first attempt hit the back of the iron but he calmly knocked down the second. AGS advanced the ball from the ensuing timeout but an inbounds pass aimed for Will Shortt was picked off and MAGS fans, of which there were many, could celebrate a notable win.
It didn’t have the makings of a thriller in the opening quarter when Mt Albert led by 11 points after Auckland had scored just 2 points!
Naturally things improved for AGS in the second as Josh Muggleston got the scoreboard moving. Will Leger scored six points for the hosts who led a low scoring first half 24-22.
Both teams more than doubled their scores in the third frame. Kade Cartwright and Leger were prominent for MAGS, Cody Brown and Ryan Hunt in the thick of the action for the visitors who trailed 49-45 at the last break.
A big three from Brown appeared to have secured an Auckland win but it was Dante Matakatea that would have the final say to the delight of the home fans.
MAGS 62 – Leger 16/10r, Matakatea 15, Cartwright 10, Harri Coker-Grey 9 AGS 61 – Brown 21, Shortt 13, Muggleston 9, Ryan Hunt 8
Westlake, with six players in double figures, ran out comfortable winners against Liston College (111-55).
Things looked good for the visitors early on as Sebastian Alan dropped a triple, Rasheed Ieremia earned visits to the charity stripe, Dhon Lao scored half a dozen, and after a promising opening ten minutes Liston trailed by just a single points (24-23).
However from there Westlake moved through the gears – Daniel Ottenhoff scored 10 of his 22 points in the second, Luke Don and Jonty Strawbridge added threes and the advantage was 56-35 in favour of the hosts at half-time.
The scoring tailed off slightly in the third but another 32-point outburst in the fourth – Hamza Zahran with 10 of those – means Westlake have rattled up 229 points and a pair of W’s in the opening two rounds.
Westlake 111 – Ottenhoff 22, Zahran 20, Strawbridge 19, Ned Shearer 14, Don 10, Rocco Chang 10
Liston 55 – Ieremia 14, Lao 11, Alan 9, Oliver Mclihinney 6
Rangitoto College won 102-77 at Sacred Heart with Tautoko Wynyard and Jacob Fotu again prominent.
Heart, outmatched in the paint, battled manfully but the Rangi front court were simply too big and too good. The revitalised Wynyard finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds while Fotu grabbed 10 boards to accompany 16 points.
Wynyard was into double figures in the opening period which was won 24-17 by the visitors.
Preston Tuaputa nailed a triple early in the second and Adam Davies converted on three occasions from the land of plenty but the hosts were making hay from distance also – a pair of treys apiece from Jimmy Kim and Joel Brown meant Rangi led 54-41 at the break.
Matt Fautuaalii scored 10 points for Heart in the third but more damage from Fotu eased Rangi out to a 76-55 lead, with a second straight win comfortably confirmed in the closing minutes.
The Lacey Lowdown is delighted to announce that the Northern Kāhu have agreed to support our growing coverage of Girls High School basketball for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Northern Kāhu will support the weekly roundups of the Auckland Premier and Senior A Girl’s games.
The Kāhu will be competing in the inaugural Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa season that commences at the end on June.
Kāhu Director Stephen Dil is convinced aligning with the Lacey Lowdown is perfect timing for the fledgling organisation.
“Mike has done a tremendous job over the years of giving profile to our game through the Lacey Lowdown.
“It is important to the Kāhu that the girls game continues to be reported on and our up and coming players are showcased.
Lowdown editor Mike Lacey believes that there is already great synergy between the Lowdown and Northern Kāhu.
“Three of the four player signings announced by the Kāhu began their playing careers at Auckland high schools. Ash Kelman-Poto played at Mt Albert Grammar School, Akiene-Tera Reed at Westlake Girls and Micaela Cocks at Takapuna Grammar School.
“More local players will be announced in the coming weeks which is extremely exciting.
“Northern Kāhu and Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa are creating a pathway many of our current high school players will aspire to follow.
We look forward to reporting on the next round of girl’s games coming up on Friday. In the meantime you can follow the Northern Kāhu here:
The Lacey Lowdown is delighted to announce that Dynamic Sport New Zealand has agreed to support our growing coverage of Boy’s High School basketball for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Nigel Morgan, and the team at Dynamic Sport New Zealand will not only aid game coverage of Auckland Premier Boy’s games but have generously agreed to provide weekly Player of the Round prizes.
Dynamic Sport is a major supplier of sporting goods and apparel in New Zealand. Managing Director Nigel Morgan believes the Lowdown is a perfect partner for a community focused family business.
“Dynamic Sport is delighted to partner with Mike and the Lacey Lowdown.
“Mike is hugely respected in the Basketball community and the Lacey Lowdown has become the ‘go to’ for the review of all things basketball – in particular Secondary School Boys and Girls basketball.
“As a category, the sport of Basketball is very important to Dynamic Sport, our core business is selling sports equipment to schools and clubs – aligning with an organisation like The Lacey Lowdown is an ideal fit for our expanding business.
“We are really looking forward to seeing how the 2022 Secondary School season pans out, with two years of the National Secondary Schools Tournament not being able to proceed due to Covid, we feel this season will be incredibly competitive!
“We wish all teams the very best for the 2022 season and would like to thank Mike for all the work he does in the Basketball community.”
We look forward to reporting on the next round of games coming up on Friday. In the meantime browse through the range of quality products Dynamic Sport New Zealand has to offer. https://dynamicsport.co.nz/
The 2022 Auckland Secondary Schools Girl’s Senior A Grade competition began last Friday.
The game of the round was played at Dilworth where promoted side Takapuna Grammar School edged Auckland Girls Grammar by the closest of margins, 52-51.
It was AGGS that made the better start as Zara Leavasa-Avauli’s early points helped forge a 15-7 lead.
The tables were turned in the second, a late three in the spell by Amy McKenzie on her way to a game high 19 points, helped Takapuna to a 26-23 lead at the interval.
AGGS regained the initiative after the break, Leavasa-Avauli scored three straight baskets to give them a narrow 39-38 lead at the three-quarter mark.
In a gripping finish, Qaizden Stephano and Maania Watson made key plays for Takapuna before both fouled out. Faith Hurt and Grady Nikoia drew AGGS into a match winning situation but it was Mariah Parker making the deciding play.
Having earlier scored what turned out to be the game winning basket she secured the all-important defensive rebound off an AGGS missed free-throw to seal the win.
The other promoted side Manurewa College also notched a win with a 66-50 defeat of One Tree Hill College.
The two dominant figures in the game were Manurewa’sSela Uluheua who scored 30 points and One Tree Hill’s Angelica Vahai who almost matched that with 26 points.
OTH led at quarter time by a point (17-16) but Uluheua amassed 16 points in the second to give Manurewa a 36-30 lead.
The third period was pivotal – Mariona Monga knocked down a three and Lavinia Liufau chipped in with a bucket but more decisively OTH were restricted to five points – the Manurewa lead 49-35 with ten minutes to play.
Vahai, Meadow Thompson, and Milla Eckford attempted some salvage work but the damage was done – Manurewa comfortable victors.
One Tree Hill 50 – Vahai 26, Thompson 10, Harriate Heteg 6
Aaron Sievert signaled he will be a player to watch in the 2022 Auckland Secondary Schools Senior A Grade competition that commenced on Friday.
The Northcote guard posted a small matter of 51 points on Friday night!
Sievert put on a shooting clinic as Northcote College defeated Aorere College 112-62.
The shooting guard scored 51 points – presumably a career high – knocking down eight (8) threes in the process.
With skipper Dontaye Sowman-Faaee and young guard Shunta Shinzaki chiming in with significant contributions Northcote were in complete control.
Moroni Tauhara and the Gordon brothers Franklyne and Christopher battled bravely for Aorere.
*Sievert’s points breakdown by quarters:
Q1 15pts, Q2 7pts, Q3 15pts, Q4 14pts. Pity he went cold in the second quarter!!
Northcote College 112 –Sievert 51, Shinzaki 23, Sowman-Faaee 14
Aorere College 62 – Tauhara 15, Chris Gordon 14, Franklyne Gordon 13, Tamely Taito 7
Avondale College got their season underway with a narrow 79-73 win against Mount Roskill Grammar,
MRG got out to an early lead establishing 22-13 advantage at the end of first quarter – 12 points from Mitchell Greenaway.
Roskill were still in control at the half with a 10 point lead.
Avondale came storming back in the second half with multiple contributors, most notably from Jimi Iosia-Sipeli who scored 12 of his 28 points in the final frame.
Avondale College 79 – Jimi Iosia-Sipeli 28, Andrew M 18
Mount Roskill 73 – Mitchell Greenaway 23, Haisem Osman 16
Newly promoted Dilworth School were given a reminder of what a step up in divisions means, with St Peter’s College winning the encounter 86-52.
Scott Errey led the way for St Peter’s with an industrious 26 points – three triples in that effort. In a good team performance, where six players score 7 points or more, Andrew Manio was next best with 19 points.
Dilworth received double figure contributions from Finlay Edwards, Ivan Kerr and Owen Pattison.
Dilworth School 52 – Edwards 15, Kerr 12, Pattison 10
St Peter’s College 86 – Errey 26, Manio 19, Gus Dallow 8, Bailey Smith 7, Milan Tolich 7, Owain Leigh 7
The other new boys on the block Manurewa got their campaign off to a winning start courtesy of strong performances from Richard Campbell and William Passi who tallied 27 and 20 points respectively.
In front of a large enthusiastic crowd Manurewa did the damage in the first half racking up 53 points – Campbell had 19 points at the break.
Macleans were well served by Christian Mutti (18 points) and Dale Babaran (13 points).
Outsized but not out-fought Macleans coach Keith Langley was delighted with the spirit of his team.
“The scoreline doesn’t look great but against a bigger team we bounced back after a struggle in the second quarter and actually outscored Manurewa in the second half.”
Macleans College 56 – Mutti 18, Babaran 13, Levi Smyth 6, Rohin Bacharam 6
Manurewa College 88 – Campbell 27, Passi 20, Alex Hughes 14, Ryan Ancha 10, Brian Tapu 8
The opening round of the Auckland Secondary Schools Girl’s Premier Grade saw comfortable wins for Epsom Girls Grammar, Mount Albert Grammar, Baradene College and Westlake Girls High.
Epsom Girls Grammar v St Mary’s College at Auckland Grammar School
Drawn Forbes scored a game high 20 points to propel Epsom Girls Grammar to a 79-44 victory against St Mary’s.
It was the Saints that made the better start, Kodee Williams-Sefo scoring 10 points as they forged a 19-13 lead. Unfortunately for St Mary’s that was the end of the night for the New Zealand U15 squad member who had to sit out the remainder of the game with a knee injury.
Trinity Atiga scored 8 second quarter points but Andrea Ape-Paia and Maya Fowler trimmed the St Mary’s advantage to a single point at half-time (32-31).
With the St Mary’s scoring drying up in the third, Epsom drove home the advantage outscoring their opponents 25-4 in the period – triples from Forbes, Maya Fowler and Ivy Tino aided the run.
With EGGS in complete control the lead ballooned out in the fourth.
Rangitoto College v Mt Albert Grammar at Rangitoto
Mount Albert Grammar enjoyed their first trip across ‘The Bridge’ this season as they claimed the spoils at Rangitoto College with a convincing 89-62 win.
Waimanu Clarken ,witha Round 1 high 37 points,and Danae Tait with 19 points were the architects of the win. The duo shared 18 points as MAGS raced to a 26-14 first quarter lead.
Tamsin McAsey scored 7 second quarter points for the hosts who trailed 46-30 at half-time.
Zaara Sain and Aroha Rogers (26 points) continued to find the nylon for Rangi but Tait knocked down her fifth triple of the game, Clarken continued her merry way, and Tiger-Lily Cocker-Lemanie chipped in with points as MAGS made a winning start to the season.
Saint Kentigern College v Westlake Girls High School at Saint Kentigern
Newly promoted Saint Kentigern College found the going a little tough against Westlake Girls High – outscored 80-40.
Mackenzie Chatfield led the Westlake scoring with 31 points, the other major contributors being Lily Fotu and the Moors sisters Rebecca and Sarah.
St Kent’s actually made the better start to the contest as they held a 16-6 lead on the back of 11 points from Sharmaine Tapling.
Three’s from Ash Tuumaialu and Tapling kept the scoreboard moving but Chatfield and Fotu were moving through the gears as Westlake edged ahead (33-29) at the interval.
The St Kent’s scoring slowed to a crawl in the second half and with the marauding Moors’ controlling the paint – they corralled a combined 25 rebounds – the second half was largely one way traffic.
Carmel College v Baradene College at Rosmini College
Summer Faliafa (25 points) and Ritorya Tamilo (26 points) dominated proceedings as Baradene College bossed the contest at Carmel College to run out 86-35 winners.
The omens were not good for Carmel at quarter time when they trailed 31-2.
However the experienced Jemma Cammell settled her young charges with 11 first half points – at that stage Tamilo threatening a triple double, with deft footwork for inside points, rebounds at both ends and multiple shots swatted away.
Tamilo and Faliafa continued to punish the Carmel defence in the second half – Poppy Cavanagh Briggs and Amelia Nathan adding to the damage.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Carmel as Zahara Tibbotts, Leighton Esera and Cammell led a spirited second half display.
The opening round of the Auckland Secondary Schools Boys Premier Grade games saw big wins for Auckland Grammar, Rosmini College and Westlake Boys while Rangitoto College won the game of the round against Mt Albert Grammar
Rangitoto College v Mt Albert Grammar at Rangitoto.
The good news for Rangitoto College fans, but less welcoming news for opponents, is that Tautoko Wynyard is back! The Rangi centre has endured two years of injury setbacks but on Friday night announced his return with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds.
It is as well that he was in top form as Mt Albert Grammar pushed the hosts all the way before going down 73-69.
MAGS won the opening quarter by 4, lost the second by 5, the third by I and tied the fourth to emphasise what a close, enthralling contest it was.
The early scoring was dominated by Zeke Priest and Wynyard for the home side and Victor Keil and Luke Matthews for MAGS as the two teams went basket for basket.
Dante Matakatea scored 8 points in the second quarter for the visitors but scores from Jacob Fotu and Soane Abraham edged Rangi ahead 38-35 at the break.
Matakatea, Keil and Harri Coker-Grey found ways to puncture the Rangi defence while at the other end a Jimmy Kim three and buckets from Michael Ropatini and Fotu gave Rangi a 58-54 three-quarter time advantage.
A three from Priest was answered with a brace of triples from Keil, however it was the front court pairing of Fotu and Wynyard that stood tall and held MAGS at bay for a hard fought win.
Rosmini College v Sacred Heart College at Rosmini.
Matt Fautuaalii had the distinction of scoring the first Premier League points for Sacred Heart College since 2011 – their last season in the top flight. The fleet footed guard couldn’t afford to dwell on the moment too long as a quick glance at the scoreboard showed Rosmini College had rattled off 12 unanswered points to open proceedings.
Tom Beattie had welcomed the new boys on the block with a baseline drive and dunk on the opening play and with Lucas Schnuriger, Kane Murphy and Charlie Dalton knocking down threes the hosts had a 29-12 advantage after 10 minutes.
Sacred Heart skipper Josh Stewart scored eight of his game high 21 points in the second quarter but threes in the shadows of half-time from Bart Jackowski and Josh Batty, plus inside points from Julius Halaifonua, meant Rozza had a 48-20 lead at half time.
Adam Davies and Stewart scored the opening points of the second half as Heart began to work their way into the contest. They split 28 points with the hosts in the third period and put up 16 points in the fourth to head back east with heads held high and lessons learnt.
Rosmini 84 – Beattie 17, Halaifonua 14, Dalton 12, Zion Anderson 10, Jameer Reed 9
Saint Kentigern College v Westlake Boys High at St Kentigern.
Westlake Boys High have hit the ground running, or more accurately sprinting, as they rattled up a ton in putting an under strength Saint Kent’s away 118-64.
George Turner knocked down the first 7 points for St Kent’s although 8 points apiece from Rocco Chang and Hamza Zahran gave Westlake a 27-21 quarter time lead.
Down three starters, Saint Kent’s were swimming against the Westlake tide – Jonty Strawbridge and Malachi Book helped the visitors dominate the period to gain a 57-32 half-time lead.
Zahran would go on to garner 24 points and with Ned Shearer matching that tally Lake were in cruise control in the second half.
Turner top scored for the Saints with 19 points, Max Johnson totaled 14 while Luka Ljubisavljevic (10 points) was the other home player in double figures.
On a night when older brother Kainoa was making his NBL debut for Auckland Tuatara young St Kent’s guard Cooper Lepou scored a promising 8 points in his first Prems game.
St Kentigern 64 – Turner 19, Johnson 14, Ljubisavljevic 10, Lepou 8
Auckland Grammar v Liston College at Auckland Grammar.
Two former Tall Blacks BJ Anthony and Lindsay Tait go head to head in the coaching boxes in this one and it will be BJ that will be left most to ponder after Liston College were beaten 117-51 by a rampant Auckland Grammar side.
Cody Brown led the way for Grammar with 28 points and he was well supported by Josh Howes (18 points), Jackson Kiss (14 points) and Josh Muggleston’s 13 points.
Dhon Lao played a fine hand for Liston with 20 points but the next best was Sebastian Alan with 7 points.
The writing was on the wall at quarter time as AGS raced to a 29-3 lead – Muggleston and Brown doing most the damage.
Lao, Deon Helu and Sebastian Alan led a mini Liston revival in the second quarter but Kiss scored the last 8 points of the half for AGS who cantered to a comfortable win.
AGS 107 – Brown 28, Howes 19, Kiss 14, Mugglestone 13, Theo Brothers 8, Ryan Hunt 8
The 2022 Auckland Secondary Schools Senior A Grade season begins on Friday May 7th. Below we preview the opening round match-ups, of both the Girls and Boy’s competition, and include a few names that may be influential over the coming months.
BOYS – all games tip-off at 7.30pm on May 6
Avondale College v Mount Roskill at Avondale
Mount Roskill are in a rebuilding phase this year with just one Year 13 player in the squad. “Senior A is looking very strong this year so it will be a real challenge for us,” said Roskill coach Martin Windsor who will look to captain Ngawaka Rakete to set the defensive tone for his team.
Avondale finished just outside the top four last season – a play-off berth will be a goal for 2022.
Dilworth School v St Peter’s College at Dilworth
Newly promoted Dilworth entertain St Peter’s in the Epsom derby. Coach Josiah Maama will be looking to captain Owen Pattison to orchestrate proceedings with Ikahui Mahe, Damon Kitchen and Ivan Kerr hopefully tuned in for success.
St Peter’s, still smarting from their Prems relegation, will be looking for skipper Scott Errey to lead the charge to be championship contenders. Andrei Manio, Dorian Sula and New Zealand U15 trialist Gus Dallow will be major contributors also.
Northcote College v Aorere College at Northcote
Northcote College, with Aik Ho at the helm, will look to the scoring potential of Aaron Sievert. With Dontaye Sowman-Faaee and Tom Bates to lock down the middle look out for young guard Shunta Shinzaki to also make an impact.
Aorere will be tough opponents, the visitors looking for Moroni Tauhara and the Gordon brothers Franklyne and Christopher to provide early season impetus.
Macleans College v Manurewa College at Macleans
The other new boys on the block Manurewa, still fizzing from their promotion play-off win against Massey, will likely start with William Passi, Alex Hughes, Ryan Ancha, Brian Tapu and Richard Campbell.
Macleans new coach Keith Langley inherits a very young squad. Initial success may well be dependent on the form of seniors Levi Smyth and Dale Babaran.
SENIOR A GIRLS – all games tip-off at 5.00pm on May 6
Avondale College v Mount Roskill at Avondale
Sisters Nellie and Bree Ioane will be two of the more accomplished members of a young Mt Roskill outfit.
Avondale finished fifth last year and would like to move at least one step up the standings this season.
Northcote College v Massey High at Northcote
Lizzie May and Nikki Gear will lead the Northcote challenge for another top four finish.. Lily Morgan has joined ‘Cote from Takapuna Grammar.
Massey Head Coach Tim Ryan will lean heavily on the scoring prowess of the Waikiki sisters Tahlya and Kortni along with Allyah Leusogi-Ape. Look out also for young Cyntalia Schuster.
One Tree Hill v Manurewa College at Macleans College
Savannah Cook has made an immediate transition from player to coach in order to guide 2012 regular season champions One Tree Hill. Angelica Vahai, Syriah Muipu and forward Talei Bogidua will serve her well.
Promoted side Manurewa will be aiming to make an impact in the early season.
Takapuna Grammar v Auckland Girls Grammar at Dilworth
Forward Qaizden Stephano will anchor the Takapuna defence with Amy Mckenzie providing front court stability.
Bailey Flavell has returned to the North Shore after her family’s three-year spell in Melbourne. Her presence is a boost for Takapuna’s back court options.
AGGS will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2021 campaign.
The 2022 Auckland Secondary Schools Senior A Grade season begins on Friday May 7th. Below we preview the opening round match-ups, of both the Girls and Boy’s competition, and include a few names that may be influential over the coming months.
BOYS – all games tip-off at 7.30pm on May 6
Avondale College v Mount Roskill at Avondale
Mount Roskill are in a rebuilding phase this year with just one Year 13 player in the squad. “Senior A is looking very strong this year so it will be a real challenge for us,” said Roskill coach Martin Windsor who will look to captain Ngawaka Rakete to set the defensive tone for his team.
Avondale finished just outside the top four last season – a play-off berth will be a goal for 2022.
Dilworth School v St Peter’s College at Dilworth
Newly promoted Dilworth entertain St Peter’s in the Epsom derby. Coach Josiah Maama will be looking to captain Owen Pattison to orchestrate proceedings with Ikahui Mahe, Damon Kitchen and Ivan Kerr hopefully tuned in for success.
St Peter’s, still smarting from their Prems relegation, will be looking for skipper Scott Errey to lead the charge to be championship contenders. Andrei Manio, Dorian Sula and New Zealand U15 trialist Gus Dallow will be major contributors also.
Northcote College v Aorere College at Northcote
Northcote College, with Aik Ho at the helm, will look to the scoring potential of Aaron Sievert. With Dontaye Sowman-Faaee and Tom Bates to lock down the middle look out for young guard Shunta Shinzaki to also make an impact.
Aorere will be tough opponents, the visitors looking for Moroni Tauhara and the Gordon brothers Franklyne and Christopher to provide early season impetus.
Macleans College v Manurewa College at Macleans
The other new boys on the block Manurewa, still fizzing from their promotion play-off win against Massey, will likely start with William Passi, Alex Hughes, Ryan Ancha, Brian Tapu and Richard Campbell.
Macleans new coach Keith Langley inherits a very young squad. Initial success may well be dependent on the form of seniors Levi Smyth and Dale Babaran.
SENIOR A GIRLS – all games tip-off at 5.00pm on May 6
Avondale College v Mount Roskill at Avondale
Sisters Nellie and Bree Ioane will be two of the more accomplished members of a young Mt Roskill outfit.
Avondale finished fifth last year and would like to move at least one step up the standings this season.
Northcote College v Massey High at Northcote
Lizzie May and Nikki Gear will lead the Northcote challenge for another top four finish.. Lily Morgan has joined ‘Cote from Takapuna Grammar.
Massey Head Coach Tim Ryan will lean heavily on the scoring prowess of the Waikiki sisters Tahlya and Kortni along with Allyah Leusogi-Ape. Look out also for young Cyntalia Schuster.
One Tree Hill v Manurewa College at Macleans College
Savannah Cook has made an immediate transition from player to coach in order to guide 2012 regular season champions One Tree Hill. Angelica Vahai, Syriah Muipu and forward Talei Bogidua will serve her well.
Promoted side Manurewa will be aiming to make an impact in the early season.
Takapuna Grammar v Auckland Girls Grammar at Dilworth
Forward Qaizden Stephano will anchor the Takapuna defence with Amy Mckenzie providing front court stability.
Bailey Flavell has returned to the North Shore after her family’s three-year spell in Melbourne. Her presence is a boost for Takapuna’s back court options.
AGGS will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2021 campaign. Look to Fuschia Traill, Zara Leavasa-Avauli plus Ryn and Grady Nikoia to lead the Grammar revival.
LACEY LOWDOWN 