Category Archives: College Hoops

Aug 06 2017
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College Hoops

Sooners impress in win against NZ Premiers

Sooners v NZ Premiers

The University of Oklahoma Sooners may have only been in the country for 24 hours but they still proved far too good for the New Zealand Premier team winning 133-91 at Auckland Grammar School on Sunday.

The Premier team put up a good showing early on but were overpowered in the second half by the 2016 NCAA Tournament semi-finalists. Kiwi Matt Freeman scored 8 points for the Sooners who got their four game tour of Australasia off to a winning start.

The Canterbury Under 23 Championship winning trio of Sam Smith, Joe Cook-Green and Taylor Britt combined well in the opening stages as they, Nick Barrow and Dominique Kelman-Poto gave the Premiers a rather unexpected 12-0 start.

Lightning quick point guard Trae Young exhibited his penetrative powers and Brady Manek his three point prowess as Oklahoma found their scoring rhythm at the back end of the first period.

Finnish forward Hannes Polla, along with Freeman the only other none American on the Sooners roster, capped the strong visitors comeback to snatch a 33-30 quarter time lead.

A drive and basket from hometown favourite Freeman drew applause from both sets of supporters.

Texas Wesleyan University bound Smith continued to impress for the hosts, as did Brady Manek for the Sooners.

Local Auckland Grammar seniors Thomas Whyte and Tom Higgins joined the fray – Higgins finishing nicely in the paint but the Premiers down 66-55 in an entertaining first half.

American College teams are permitted 10 practices before overseas tours but that was ten more than the Premier team had had but the first half showing belied that fact, Sooners coach Lon Kruger complimentary of the Premiers effort.

“It was a very good to battle early, I thought New Zealand opened the ball game very well, very sharp and obviously well coached and knew how to play. I thought our guys got a little more confident as the game went on but a really good first game for us and really appreciate the great crowd, great atmosphere and great opponents, said Kruger.

Cook-Green and Britt combined for scores to open the second half but a spectacular drive from Young countered that. Denhym Brooke scored with a put back before the big Finn Polla stretched the Sooners lead beyond twenty points.

The third school student in the Premier team, Rosmini’s Kruz Perrott-Hunt, nailed a corner three – Thomas Whyte connected from the head of the key – but the Prems trailed 100-76 at three-quarter time.

Super City Rangers forward Nick Barrow and Kelman-Poto continued to do sterling work in the paint but the Sooners got rolling in the fourth entertaining the crowd of over 600 with an impressive display that showcased their speed and athleticism.

Freeman finished with 8 points in a performance that pleased his coach.

“Very happy for Matt, a terrific young guy, great great family, they have been so supportive and for Matt to come home to Auckland and to have family and friends here and to then go out and play well, make shots. I’m very pleased for him,” added Kruger.

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After reaching the NCAA Tournament final four in 2016 the Sooners struggled last season going 5-13 in Conference play and 11-20 overall. Kruger feels the tour is timely for his team.

“The timing for this group is especially good with new guys coming in (three freshmen) and guys returning who will have enhanced roles over a year ago.”

“Culturally for the guys to travel to different parts of the world and see the hospitality and the friendliness of the people here. After the game on the court mingling with the young people especially is a big part of the trip.”

The Sooners will get to do some sightseeing in Auckland on Monday before heading to Sydney with games lined up against Sutherland Sharks, Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans to complete their four game tour.

NZ Premiers 91 –

Smith (Canterbury / Brown Mackie College, USA) 24 pts

Kelman-Poto (Counties Manukau) 18pts/8rebs

Britt (Canterbury) 13pts/4rebs/5assists

Cook-Green (Canterbury / Northwest Florida State, USA) 10pts/7rebs/8assists)

Whyte (Auckland Grammar School) 6pts

Pierantoni (North Harbour) 6pts

Brooke (University of Hawaii /North Harbour) 4pts

Barrow (Super City Rangers) 4pts

Perrott-Hunt (Rosmini College) 4pts

Higgins (Auckland Grammar School) 2pts

Oklahoma Sooners 133 – Young 21, Manek 17, Khadeem 16, James 13, Odomes 11, Freeman 8

Aug 04 2017
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College Hoops, Kiwi's Abroad

Oklahoma Sooners v NZ Premiers to be streamed live

 

 

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Good news for basketball fans not in Auckland or those unable to get tickets for the Oklahoma versus NZ Premiers game on Sunday is that the game will be live streamed.

There is plenty of interest in the game with former Westlake Boys High standout Matt Freeman stepping on court in NZ for the first time since embarking on his college career last year.

The game tips off at 3pm at Auckland Grammar School on Sunday (August 6th). The Premiers team will feature a number of Kiwis currently based at American Colleges including Joe Cook-Green, Denhym Brooke and Dominique Kelman-Poto.

Live streaming information here

May 11 2017
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College Hoops, Kiwi's Abroad

Yanni Wetzell commits to Vanderbilt

After a couple of stand out seasons at St Mary’s University, San Antonio, former Westlake Boys High stand out Yanni Wetzell has committed to Vanderbilt for his final two years of collegiate basketball.

 

Wetzell was the Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year in 2016 and last season received further recognition when selected for the All-Heartland Conference Second Team. That selection came after leading the St Mary’s Rattlers in points (15.5ppg) and rebounds (6.8rpg) in 2016-17.

The move to the Vanderbilt Commodores will be a step up for the 6’10” forward as he moves from NCAA Division II action to the powerful Division one Southeastern Conference that includes the likes of Texas A&M and Kentucky.

There will be high expectations at Purdue under coach Bryce Drew as the Rattlers made the NCAA Tournament in both 2016 and 2017.

Despite Tai Webster being about to move into the professional ranks Westlake Boys High will still be able to boast four former students at NCAA Division I colleges in the 2017-18 season. 2016 senior Isaac Letoa has recently signed with Dartmouth, Matt Freeman has completed his freshman year at Oklahoma and Jack Salt will enter his third season at Virginia.

Wetzell’s outstanding freshman year at St Mary’s was noted by Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare who selected him for the tour of China by the New Zealand Select Team last year.

Further representative honours would appear to be just around the corner for Wetzell.

Apr 11 2017
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College Hoops

Auckland Premier Qualifiers Found

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The cloudy waters of the 2017 Auckland Secondary Schools Premier Qualifying Tournament have now cleared.

After three days of competition the twenty nine would be qualifiers (20 boys teams, 9 girls teams) have been whittled down to the successful four.

Massey High and Carmel College will contest the Girls Prem Grade this season with Macleans College and St Kentigern College earning the right to play in the Boys Prem Grade.

Macleans and St Kent’s progressed in exciting but contrasting encounters.

Macleans led at the end of each quarter against Massey High. 25-20 at quarter time, 55-31 at the half and 72-62 at three-quarter time.

Macleans with Blake van Uden, Alex Arthur and Andrew Fei in good form appeared to have gained a stranglehold on the game in the middle stages of the fourth stretching out to 90-74 but then things became interesting.

A three point play by Elijah Williams gave Massey hope and Marvis Pavli optimism as the lead was reduced to single figures.

A Williams triple made it even closer, 93-86, with 60 seconds to play. Inconsistent free throw shooting from Macleans afforded the opposition more opportunities and Jordan Papa-Mita obliged with 8 straight points as Massey closed to 97-96 with 20 seconds to play.

A cool head was needed in the Macleans camp and they found one in Fei who made three straight freebies to close out a 100-96 victory for the Adrian Boyd coached team.

In contrast the other final eliminator was a tight affair throughout. Avondale College had the better of the early exchanges leading 19-15 at quarter time.

St Kent’s rebounding machine Matt Shorter and Avondale guard David Gatoloai kept the score moving for their respective teams but it was the Eastern suburbs team that had better of the second to edge ahead 33-35 at the break.

It was still tight at three-quarter time St Kent’s ahead 50-49 and 59-57 with less than 6 minutes to play.

St Kent’s guard Tom Chester landed a neat floater but Amand Donaldson tied proceedings at 61 apiece inside the last 90 seconds.

Zach Chan knocked down a sideline three for St Kent’s only for Kennedy Nicolaison to respond in kind on the next possession, 66-66 with 30 seconds to play.

Kyle Robb made a free throw as St Kent’s edged ahead 67-66 with 18 seconds on the clock.

Man of the match Shorter secured a crucial defensive rebound, as Avondale failed to score on the next possession, then secured Prem status for the Aaron Young coached St Kent’s by calmly knocking down a pair of free throws. St Kentigern home but only just 69-66.

Results from the Round of Eight

Massey 92 Western Springs 84

Manurewa 81 Avondale 84

St Kentigern 67 v St Peter’s 58

Macleans 94 v Pakuranga 81

The Senior A competition will be made up of all of the above bar St Kent’s and Macleans.

The two additional qualifiers are Liston College and Northcote College who came through a four team round robin series at the expense of Takapuna GS and Birkenhead College. Birkenhead were edged out on points differential after they, Liston and Northcote each finished with a 2-1 record

In the Girl’s competition Massey High proved too strong, as they had throughout pool play, disposing of Birkenhead College 88-42.

Massey dominated the opening quarter 25-9 and with the lead 47-15 at half-time the retention of Premier Grade status was almost assured. Shauna Povey (20pts), Ramona Fuaivaa (13pts) and Alyesha Shuster (13pts) led the scoring but it was an all-round team performance that produced the win.

New Zealand Under 16 forward Rashaan Smith led the Birkenhead effort with 19 points.

In the other qualifier Carmel College proved too strong for St Kentigern winning 68-58 on the back of 38 points from guard Tayla Dalton.

St Kent’s made a strong start leading 20-13 at the quarter break, Summer-Jean Motufoua quickly into double figures. Fortunes were reversed in the second period as Catie Levell and Emily Bloomfield helped Carmel to a 34-30 half-time advantage.

Kristin Hansen scored 8 third quarter points for St Kent’s but Carmel still held a 50-46 lead with a quarter to play.

The St Kent’s scoring dried up in the front half of the final stanza and Carmen capitalized as Dalton and Bloomfield stretched the advantage to double figures creating a buffer St Kent’s were unable to breach. Carmel into Prem Grade with a fine 68-58 win.

Apr 11 2017
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Age Group NZ Teams, College Hoops, School Basketball

Isaac Letoa heading to prestigious Ivy League college

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Isaac Letoa was a key player for the Junior Tall Blacks back in December when New Zealand defeated Australia in the FIBA Under 18 Oceania Championships in Fiji.Later this year he will combine his basketball and educational talents when he takes up a full academic scholarship at Ivy League school Dartmouth College.

When there he will become a key member of Dartmouth College Big Green’s having committed to the basketball programme for the next four years.

“We are thrilled to have Isaac become a member of our programme and Dartmouth family,” said Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Head Coach David McLaughlin.

“He embodies so much of what we look for when evaluating: A love for the game, a winning and competitive approach every time he is on the court, high basketball acumen, and a work ethic where he truly wants to get better each day. Isaac is a young man of very high character who we feel will have an immediate impact on our team and within the Dartmouth community.”

Letoa moved to Auckland from Wellington in 2013 and has been a member of the Westlake Boys High School team for the past 3 years, captaining the team in 2016.

He joins a long list of outstanding Westlake players that have taken up scholarships at NCAA Division 1 colleges including Kirk Penney (Wisconsin), Rob Loe (St Louis), and Tai Webster (Nebraska).

He has also been a member of the Breakers Academy for the same length of time.

SKYCITY Breakers assistant coach and head coach of the Academy Mike Fitchett is in no doubt what qualities Letoa has that set him apart from most young players in New Zealand.

“Isaac has great defensive ability, plays with intensity and has a terrific work ethic,” says Fitchett.

“He has the capacity to stay in front of quick ball handlers and demonstrates great commitment on defence which you don’t see from a lot of young players. He also has the ability to penetrate at the offensive end and his perimeter shooting is improving,” added the Breakers assistant coach.

Before heading to Dartmouth to study engineering Letoa has the small matter of the FIBA Under 19 World Championships to prepare for. The JTF’s point guard has linked up with the Wellington Saints for the current NBL season to improve his game ahead of college and the championships that will be played in Cairo in the first week of July.

“Right at the moment I want to acknowledge Kevin Braswell who is really pushing me at Saints training and helping me to prepare for the World Champs and college ball,” said Letoa.

There are many other people the 18 year old credits with his sporting and academic achievements.

“Shawn Beck who took the time to organise the initial contact with colleges and endorse me as a person and Wellington College and Westlake Boys High School for preparing me academically, supporting my basketball and encouraging me to take leadership opportunities. Also the Westlake Old Boys Association, ‘The Westlakers’ for their support and encouragement.

”Judd Flavell and Mike Fitchett in their roles as Breakers Academy coaches for shaping me as a player, encouraging me as person and putting me forward for consideration for overseas opportunities like Nike NBA and Adidas Nations camps.

“Harbour Basketball CEO John Hunt for the great Rep programme he runs on the Shore and Basketball New Zealand for providing opportunities to compete at a high level from Korus, to NZ age groups, 3×3 and now the JTBs.

Last but not least Letoa pays a special tribute to his family.

“Without question my family deserves full acknowledgment. My father (Fata) has been closely involved having been a coach and a mentor throughout the majority of my life. Jordan, my older brother, has had a similar role in my life. Getting beaten in nearly everything we competed in, you learn to hate losing! My Mother (Paula) has very much had a behind the scenes impact that she doesn’t really get credit for; she has worked extremely hard to support my goals whether they’re basketball-related or not.

“All my extended family and many friends who have contributed so much to fundraisers and in many other ways over the years. I wouldn’t have got this far if it weren’t for them helping me get overseas to be seen,” said a grateful Letoa.

As you can imagine the family are extremely proud of Isaac.

“Paula, Jordan and I are incredibly proud of this opportunity as we have seen first-hand the consistency of dedication and effort that has led to it. Isaac and others like him play sport for school, region, country and sometimes club resulting in many trainings per week and still muster the energy consistently to keep up with, and at times excel, in schoolwork,” said Fata.

“But as he’ll be the first to say, none of it would be possible without the huge support of our extended families, the Breakers, the fantastic teachers and staff at Westlake Boys, and the many friends and supporters who have dipped into their pockets for countless fundraisers to get him overseas over the years. It has definitely been a big team effort and we’re hugely grateful.

“We want to acknowledge his brother Jordan especially, who has played a huge role in the family over what has been a tough year. Both our sons are made of tough stuff and shine in their own ways and once again, we just couldn’t be prouder of them.”

All in basketball will wish Isaac Letoa well as he prepares for the exciting journey ahead at Dartmouth College.

Mar 20 2017
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College Hoops, Tall Ferns

Goulding Gone

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Mary Goulding could not repeat her Women’s National Invitation Tournament first round scoring heroics for Fordham University as the Rams bowed out at Penn State beaten 70-51 on Monday (NZ time).

48 hours earlier the former Rangiora High School stand out posted a career-best 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the win over Georgetown.

Unfortunately the scoring touch deserted Goulding in the second round against Penn as she collected just three points on 1 from 7 shooting. However she once again demonstrated her rebounding prowess collecting 10 boards – her third straight double figure haul.

The season ending defeat brings the curtain down on Goulding’s sophomore season that has seen her gain increased court time in the second half of the campaign.

Mar 19 2017
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College Hoops, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Salt best not enough but Wynyard, Davidson and Goulding winners

After beating North Carolina Wilmington in the first round at the NCAA Tournament Virginia was held to a season-low 17 points in the first half and 30.2 percent shooting on the night as the Cavaliers went down 65-39 to Florida. The turning point came late in the first half,when Florida started a 21-0 run that was their most lopsided of the season.

Jack Salt was one of the better performers for Virginia securing a collegiate career high 10 rebounds whilst also scoring 8 points.

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Also exiting was Sam Waardenburg and the Miami Hurricanes beaten in the first round by Michigan State. Waardenburg, a redshirt freshman, will hope Miami can return to the Big Dance next season when he will be eligible to play.

The Kentucky Wildcats beat state rivals Northern Kentucky 79-70 in the first round but Tai Wynyard didn’t take the floor.

Also in the winner’s circle was the University of California Berkeley who defeated Louisiana State University 55-52 in the first round of the Women’s Tournament. Cal’s starting forward Penina Davidson scored with her only shot and also collected 3 rebounds in the win.

Sunday’s victory marked the seventh straight time the Golden Bears have won at least their first-round game in the NCAA Tournament. They will play top seed Baylor in the second round, for the second time in three years, on Tuesday (NZ time).

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Also worthy of mention is the performance of Mary Goulding who played a big part in Fordham University Rams overcoming Georgetown, 60-49 in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

The Cantabrian forward posted a career-best 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting with 10 rebounds, five on the offensive glass, in 37 minutes and also added three assists.

Fordham next face Penn State on Monday.

Mar 18 2017
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College Hoops, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

8 x 3 = Zero at WNIT

Eight was the unlucky number for the three Tall Ferns involved in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) on Friday (NZ time). All three registered 8 points but all three, and their respective teams, exited the tournament in the first round.

 Jacinta Beckley was playing her first game since she fractured her hand in early February but was unable to prevent the Seattle Redhawks going down to Wyoming 68-52. Seattle only trailed by 4 points at the half, 28-24 but was comfortably outscored in the final two periods.

Brigham Young Cougars (BYU) gave up 29 turnovers against Washington State, as they were downed 72-64. BYU scored from nine of their opening ten shots but it went downhill from there for the hosts. Kalani Purcell added 8 rebounds and 9 assists to her 8 points.

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St Mary’s Gaels visited Colorado State and were beaten 80-68 in overtime after giving up a double-digit advantage in the fourth quarter. The scores were tied at 62 each in regulation before Colorado dominated the additional five minutes. Stella Beck snared 4 rebounds in addition to her 8 points.

It was better news at the Big Dance.

The Virginia Cavaliers came from behind to beat University of North Carolina Wilmington at the NCAA Tournament in Orlando, Florida on Friday.

Progressing past the first round for the fourth straight time at the Big Dance, Virginia had to come back from as many as 15 points in arrears before eventually claiming a 76-71 victory.

Jack Salt scored with his only field goal attempt, a two handed dunk, finishing with three points, 3 rebounds and a block.

Mar 15 2017
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College Hoops, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Beck, Purcell and Beckley headed for WNIT

In addition to the four Kiwis, Penina Davidson, Jack Salt, Tai Wynyard and Sam Waardenburg, participating in ‘The Big Dance’ three Tall Ferns will be playing in the 2017 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The tournament, once more prestigious than NCAA Division 1 tournament is competed for at the same time.

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Jacinta Beckley (University of Seattle Redhawks)

Disappointingly Beckley fractured her hand in a game in early February and has been unable to suit up for Seattle in Western Athletic Conference games since. Beckley has had a strong season for Seattle, the fourth highest scorer on the team has averaged 8.0 points per game. She hopes to be fit for the opening round of the WNIT when the Redhawks visit Wyoming.

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Stella Beck (St Mary’s University Gaels)

After losing to Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference final last week Saint Mary’s will make its eighth straight postseason appearance beginning Friday as the Gaels travel to Colorado State for a first round matchup.

Beck in her penultimate year at St Mary’s has had an outstanding season and was named in the 2017 All- Academic West Coast Conference first team.

Beck leads Saint Mary’s in scoring at 13.2 points per game, posting double-figure scoring in 23 of 30 games played. She also leads the team in assists (3.2 per game) and steals (1.6 per game).

The Gaels (20-12) won 20 games for the sixth consecutive year in 2016-17 while finishing among the top-three in the West Coast Conference for the fourth time in the last five years.

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Kalani Purcell (Brigham Young University Provos Cougars)

Purcell is about to bring the curtain down on an outstanding two-year career at BYU.

She has racked up a colossal 16 double doubles this season in 31 games.

The power forward is averaging a double double with 12.9 points and a team- and league -high 10.6 boards per game. She also leads the Gaels in assists (4.9 per game) and blocks (1.3 per game).

Purcell was named this year’s West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and picked up her second-straight WCC Women’s Basketball All-First Team honour.

The BYU Cougars (20-11) will host the Cougars of Washington State on Friday.

Mar 14 2017
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College Hoops, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Four Kiwis headed for The Big Dance

Four Kiwis will be lining up at the men’s and women’s NCAA Division 1 tournaments that begin this week.

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Jack Salt (University of Virginia Cavaliers).

Salt has had a solid season for the 22-10 Cavaliers starting in all 32 games.

His 3.6 points per game and 3.9 rebounds don’t do justice to his value to the Cav’s where his 6’11” frame provides a significant inside presence for coach Tony Bennett’s Atlantic Coast outfit.

Virginia is drawn to play UNC Wilmington in the first round on Friday (NZ time).

 

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Penina Davidson (University of California Berkeley Golden Bears)

Davidson is making her second appearance at the tournament being one of three Bears to have represented Cal when they last appeared in the tournament in 2015. The 19-13 Bears will face LSU in the first round in Waco, Texas on Sunday (NZ time).

The Tall Ferns forward has averaged 6.8 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game in her 31 appearances this season. She scored a season high 19 points against Arizona State on New Years Day.

 

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Tai Wynyard (University of Kentucky Wildcats)

 Kentucky (29-5) is on an 11 game winning streak entering a record extending 56th appearance at the NCAA Tournament. The Southeastern Conference champions have been paired with Northern Kentucky in the opening round in the South Region.

Wynyard has been a bit part player in his first year with the Wildcats logging just 54 minutes in 15 games.

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Sam Waardenburg (University of Miami Hurricanes)

The Hurricanes (21-11) face Michigan State in the first round hoping to improve on their 2-1 record in the 2016 tournament.

Waardenburg, a redshirt freshman, is ineligible to play this season so will be restricted to towel waving supportive duty during the tournament. It is to be hoped he can perform that duty with the same vigour shown by Oklahoma Sooners redshirt freshman Matt Freeman last year.

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