Monday, September 12
New Zealand finished sixth at the 2022 FIBA U18 Asian Championship in Bengaluru, India last week, losing the 5th/6thplay-off game against Korea 73-56.
The four Aucklanders on the New Zealand team performed with distinction despite the one win, four loss record of the Kiwis.
All four ranked in the top five Kiwis in the major statistical categories with Westlake Girls Year 13 Mackenzie Chatfield leading the team in steals, assists and rebounds (5.4rpg). Her 4.6 assists per game ranked her 4th overall amongst all players in the 8 team tournament.
Former Baradene College forward Lilly Parke was the team’s leading scorer averaging 8.6 points per game. Now in her freshman year at Auburn University at Montgomery, Parke was also the second highest rebounder with 4.8 boards per game.
Ex-Epsom Girls Grammar standout Flo Dallow is also in her freshman year in the States at the University of Portland. She averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game – 4th highest in points and third in rebounds.
Massey High School Year 13 Allyah Leusogi-Ape was the fifth highest scorer (7.8ppg) and 3rd leading rebounder with 4.4 boards per game.
Its also worth mentioning the performance of Takapuna Grammar forward Qaizden Stephano who averaged 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 points for the Samoan U18 team that finished 4th in the B Division of the U18 Asian Championship, the tournament played simultaneously alongside the A Division.
Australia beat China 81-55 in the A Division Grand Final with Japan claiming bronze after a 77-45 defeat of Chinese Taipei. All four team qualified for the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup in Spain.
Malaysia earned promotion to the A Division after downing Mongolia 64-53 in the B Division Grand Final. India will be the team relegated after being pipped 48-45 in the A Division 7th-8th play-off fixture.
LACEY LOWDOWN 