Category Archives: Kiwi’s Abroad

Jan 06 2018
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Ferns, WNBL

Purcell into Australian WNBL Grand Final

 

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Kiwi Kalani Purcell, in her first season as a professional player, has helped guide Melbourne Boomers to the Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Grand Final.

The Boomers finished fourth in the regular season but beat regular season champions Perth Lynx in the best of three semi-final series 2-0.

Purcell scored 8 points in the 92-76 home victory on Wednesday but it was in the second victory (78-69) in Perth on Friday night that she showed her true worth filling the stats line with four points, a game high six assists, six rebounds, two steals and a pair of blocks.

Purcell displayed the type of form that she demonstrated in a standout college career at Brigham Young University Cougars (BYU) where in her senior season she averaged 12.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game and holds the all-time record for the most rebounds in a season (416 in 2015-16).

Tall Ferns assistant Guy Molloy coaches the Boomers. A third member from the 2017 Tall Ferns campaign, Rebecca Ott, also features for the Boomers who will meet the winner of the Townsville Fire versus Sydney University Flames match up in the final. Townsville, with Micaela Cocks in their lineup lead that three game series 1-0 with game two to be played today (Saturday) and game three if required on Monday.

The loss by Perth brought to a close another Kiwi’s hopes of a first WNBL title. Toni Farnworth (nee Edmondson) has played ten seasons in the WNBL, the last six in Perth, but her wait for a championship will continue for at least another 12 months.

Jan 01 2018
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Ferns

Australian WNBL semi-finals will feature four Tall Ferns

Micaela cockzs_n

There were some surprise results in the final round of the Australia WNBL regular season. Although the top four play-off positions have been decided there was still plenty to play for in the Townsville Fire against Sydney University Flames match up on Friday night.

It turned out the Fire were engulfed by the Flames suffering their biggest loss of the season (107-81) and worse still gave up home court advantage for their best-of-three semi-final series against the same opponents next week should a third game be required.

The two teams were one win apiece in the head to head match up entering the contest. Micaela Cocks had a team high 4 assists to go with 4 points but it was a night to forget for the 2016 champions.

Perth Lynx are assured of the WNBL minor premiership but having won 14 straight games it was a major surprise that they lost their final two regular season games albeit both were on the road. On Friday they went down 74-69 at Canberra Capitals and on New Years Eve Townsville provided the fireworks as they protected home court with an 83-51 romp.

It was a good finish to the season for Canberra’s Kiwi guard Chevannah Paalvast who not only notched three rebounds and two points in the victory but also enjoyed the satisfaction of being named the Capitals Defensive Player of the Year before the game. It was the last game of the season for Canberra who, after a tough season, won five of their last six games to finish with a 7-14 record.

For Perth Toni Farnworth had a shooting night to forget going zero from six against Canberra but she bounced back strongly against Townsville finishing second in scoring (8 points) and rebounding (6 boards).

Micaela Cocks (10 points) was one of three Townsville players in double figures and she also secured 5 rebounds.

In a game of little consequence Melbourne Boomers thumped Dandenong Rangers 80-45 on Saturday night. Kalani Purcell underlined her value to the Boomers heading into the play-offs – only 5 points for the Tall Ferns forward but a game high equaling 10 rebounds plus 4 steals and 3 assists. Fellow Tall Fern Rebecca Ott chipped in with 2 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Amazingly Dandenong were held scoreless – yes zero points – in the final quarter won 21-0 by Melbourne!

The semi-final games begin next Wednesday with Perth (featuring Toni Farnworth) taking on Melbourne (Purcell and Ott) and Sydney matching up against Townsville (Cocks). Both are best-of-three series with Perth and Sydney hosting the third and deciding game if required.

Over in Europe Jillian Harmon had the satisfaction of leading Napoli to a convincing 69-47 road win against her former club Le Murra Lucca. Harmon won an Italian League championship with Lucca last season but turned on a 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists, 2 steals master-class against her former teammates to help Napoli to end the year on a high note – they are now fifth on the ten team Italian League table but significantly only one win behind second placed Venezia.

Dec 31 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks

Mixed results for our Tall Blacks in Europe to close out 2017

Tai Webster copy

In Germany Tai Webster and Frankfurt Skyliners had a loss and a win sandwiched in between Xmas and the New Year.

Webster scored 20 points, including a perfect three from three from beyond the arc, as the Skyliners took care of Walter Tigers 90-63 on Boxing Day.

Three days later they went down 81-64 against Wurzburg – for the second game running Webster recorded 5 assists and also added 10 points.

Ratiopharm Ulm only had one game in the same period but it was against German League leaders Bayern Munich. Bayern have only lost one game this season and proved too strong for Ulm winning 89-75. Isaac Fotu had his quietest game of the season attempting just one shot in 18 minutes of action an finished on zero points, a single rebound and one steal.

The Skyliners sit sixth on the Bundesliga ladder with a 10-6 record and Ulm one place back with 9 wins and 6 losses.

In Israel there is a break in the competition with Corey Webster not due back on court until early January.

Dion Prewster is averaging 9 points per game for Paderborn who have a 6-10 record and sit 12th of 16 teams on the German second division ladder.

In the Spanish second division Mike Karena scored a season best 18 points for Forca Lieda in their 95-80 win against Melilla. Lieda are mid-table with a 7-8 record.

Dec 24 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Kiwis shine in Australian WNBL plus news on Fotu and Webster in Germany

Micaela cockzs_n

Micaela Cocks a perfect six from six shooting

 

In Germany Tai Webster and Isaac Fotu wrapped up their pre-Xmas programmes in differing fashions while in Australia the WNBL is already approaching the business end of the season and Tall Ferns Micaela Cocks, Toni Farnworth, Rebecca Ott and Kalani Purcell are all heavily involved.

Webster had an eye catching 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Frankfurt Skyliners but they were humbled 83-59 at Giessen 46ers.

In contrast Ratiopharm Ulm beat Oettinger Rockets 78-62 with Fotu claiming 11 points. Both Ulm and Frankfurt have identical 9-5 records and sit comfortably inside the Bundesliga top 8 bracket.

In the Australia WNBL the top four play-off positions have been decided with a round to spare with four of five Kiwis playing in the league to feature in post-season play.

Perth Lynx (14-4) have extended their winning sequence to an incredible 15 games after beating Melbourne Boomers 84-66. Toni Farnworth made a useful contribution of 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals as Perth sealed top spot and home advantage during the play-offs.

For Melbourne Rebecca Ott scored 8 points and Kalani Purcell garnered a game high 13 rebounds.

The fourth Kiwi lined up to play in the semi-finals is Micaela Cocks who on Thursday had a perfect shooting night as Townsville Fire dealt to Canberra Capitals winning 99-66.

The Tall Ferns guard was, excuse the pun, on Fire as she didn’t miss a shot in her 18 points outing – 6 from 6 from the field, knocking down all five shots from beyond the arc, and also adding a free-throw.

Cocks followed that with 10 points on Saturday as Townsville demolished Bendigo Spirit 120-62.

As a result The Fire will take on defending champions Sydney University Flames in one semi-final with Perth to meet Melbourne in the other match-up.

These games will take place in early January.

Dec 19 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Tai Webster, Fotu, Harmon and Farnworth all in double figures

Tai

Once again the NZ based players in Europe were in fine form at the weekend.

Tai Webster was outstanding for Frankfurt Skyliners scoring 29 points, two shy of his season best, in the 90-84 win against Alba Berlin. Webster’s shooting numbers were impressive connecting with 9 from 12 from the field and an identical 9 from 12 freebies – he also contributed 5 assists

Also in good form was Isaac Fotu as Ratiopharm Ulm beat Wuerzburg 72-69. Fotu scored 16 points on 6 from 9 shooting. After a poor start to the season Ulm have found good form of late, this their sixth straight win.

In Italy Napoli (6-5) slipped back to fifth on the Serie A ladder after going down 76-60 to second placed Venezia. Jillian Harmon played all 40 minutes for Napoli and registered her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds – also adding 5 assists and 3 steals.

In Australia WNBL Perth Lynx (14-4) have extended their winning sequence to an amazing 13 games after wins against Adelaide Lightning (99-82) and Melbourne Boomers (92-89) in the latest round of games. Cantabrian Toni Farnworth (nee Edmondson) made her biggest contribution since returning from injury scoring 13 points against Adelaide.

In the battle of first v third against Melbourne Farnworth was less prolific but still managed 8 points. For Melbourne Kalani Purcell had 5 rebounds and 5 assists pus a brace of points and steals.

Townsville Fire (11-6) are second on the table after beating Dandenong 83-71 with Micaela Cocks scoring five points.

Chevannah Paalvast scored three points in both of Canberra Capital’s wins at the weekend – the victories against Bendigo (91-80) and Adelaide (88-87) lifted Canberra above Bendigo at the bottom of the table.

Dec 12 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Double figure outings for Harmon, Fotu and the Webster brothers

Tai Webster copy

It was largely a successful weekend for our Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks internationals playing overseas.

The German based pair Tai Webster and Isaac Fotu both contributed strongly as their respective club’s registered wins.

Webster scored a game high 21 points (7/11FG), dished 6 assists and reeled in 5 rebounds as Frankfurt Skyliners beat Bremerhaven 95-69. The Skyliners are fifth on the Bundesliga ladder with an 8-4 record.

One win back are Ratiopharm Ulm after an 84-70 win at Giessen 46ers. Fotu was in good form for Ulm scoring 17 points on 8 from 11 shooting. The power forward added 6 rebounds a steal and a block in just 20 minutes of action.

Corey Webster also scored in double figures in Israel but his 15 points (5/9FG) were not enough to save Ironi Nahariya from going down 72-69 against Ironi Nes-Ziona. The defeat sees Nahariya slip to fourth on the Israeli League ladder with a 5-4 win/loss record.

In Italy Napoli (6-4) are up to fourth on the Serie A ladder after a fourth straight win defeating San Martino 84-70. Jillian Harmon was her usual busy self, accumulating 21 points (8/14FG), 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Melbourne Boomers (11-6) solidified their spot in second place on the Australian WNBL ladder with a couple of wins including an 86-42 demolition of Bendigo Spirit. Kalani Purcell had 9 points (4/5FG) and 9 rebounds in the massacre.

Perth Lynx have claimed an eleventh consecutive victory defeating Sydney University Flames in New South Wales. Cantabrian Toni Edmondson, working her way back after injury, contributed 3 points and 2 rebounds as the Lynx improve to 12-4 to top the WNBL table.

Townsville Fire (10-6) suffered a shock 79-64 home loss to Adelaide Lightning going down 79-64 but bounced back on Saturday defeating Bendigo 99-62. Micaela Cocks added a trio of rebounds and assists to 7 points as Townsville retains third spot.

Dec 12 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Ferns

Women win NZ Maori v Australian Indigenous Series – Men defeated

 

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The NZ Maori Men’s and Women’s teams have just returned from Cairns after competing against the Australian Indigenous All-Stars.

The Men went down 2-1 in the best-of-three series winning the third encounter 94-81 after dropping the first two games.

New Southland Sharks signing Tom Vodanovich, Hyrum Harris and Dominique Kelman-Poto were prominent in all three games.

The inaugural Women’s series was swept by New Zealand 3-0 with Tall Ferns guard Jordan Hunter named MVP.

Hunter has been sidelined since the opening game of the Women’s Basketball Championship back in May when she tore her ACL.

Hunters’ return, topped with a couple of double-digit outings , is good news for the Tall Ferns selectors ahead of the Commonwealth Games in April.

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Dec 11 2017
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College Hoops, Kiwi's Abroad

Career high’s for Davison and Leger-Walker plus better news for Tai Wynyard

tai wynyard

In weekend college action in the States both Penina Davidson and Krystal Leger-Walker posted career best numbers. It was quiet on the men’s front although Tai Wynyard enjoyed a little more action than normal.

Davidson scored a career high as she posted a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds in Cal Berkeley’s 92-85 win against Pacific. Davidson’s points in the Golden Bears fourth straight win were punched at a very efficient 9 from 11 from the field and 4 from 5 free throws.

Leger-Walker was only one point shy of a double-double in Northern Colorado’s 55-44 loss to Colorado State – just the third loss of the season for the Bears. Her 10 assists were a career high and she added 9 points, 2 rebounds and a steal.

Brooke Blair top scored with 20 points (7/11FG) as Idaho State Bengals won an exciting 64-62 overtime encounter against Hawaii. The win snaps a two game losing streak and improves the Bengals to 6-3 for the season.

Dru Toleafoa logged 13 points and added 4 points and 13 rebounds as Santa Clara Broncos rode all over Menio to win 104-61.

The lack of opportunity afforded Tai Wynyard at Kentucky is evidenced by the game time afforded the former Rangitoto College standout in the Wildcats 93-76 win against Monmouth.

The game was played at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York where Wynyard, given 12 minutes of court time. The power forward responded with 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals as Kentucky improved to 8-1 for the season.

12 minutes doesn’t seem a great deal of playing time but it equals the most opportunity he has been granted by Coach Calipari in his season and a half at Kentucky.

In his freshman year he averaged 3.6 minutes across 15 games played. Things haven’t improved greatly in season two with Wynyard averaging 5 minutes in the seven games he has played.

Dec 08 2017
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College Hoops, Kiwi's Abroad

Plenty of good performances from Harbour players in the USA

 

Tera reedThere was plenty to like about the efforts of Harbour players in the US this week.

There was a double double from Katie Diakhaby, 14 points from Ella Fotu, 15 points from Olivia Bell and 14 points from Denhym Brooke.

However a career best from Tera Reed takes the biscuit this week.

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Dec 05 2017
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks

It was a good weekend for the Tall Blacks in Europe

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Unlike their Breakers buddies all three European based Tall Blacks returned from international duty and registered wins with their respective clubs.

Tai Webster appeared to overcome the 11 hour flight from Hong Kong to Frankfurt without too much trouble as he registered 18 points (6/13FG, 3/3FT) as the Skyliners beat Oettinger Rockets 77-56.

Webster added 5 rebounds, 2 steals, a block and a game high 7 assists as the Skyliners improved to 7-4 for the season holding fifth spot on the German Bundesliga ladder.

Former Breaker Ekene Ibekwe was in the Oettinger lineup.

Ratiopharm Ulm are one win behind the Skyliners after a decisive 93-76 win against Mitteldeutscher.

Isaac Fotu equaled his season best rebounding effort pulling in 9 boards to go with 7 points (2/6FG, 3/4FT) and a steal for Ulm.

In Israel Ironi Nahariya defeated Maccabi Ashdod 81-76 with Nahariya improving to 5-3 for the season.

Corey Webster scored 13 points for Ironi Nahariya, his seventh double figure points haul in eight outings.

In other news former Tall Black Dion Prewster scored 10 points on debut for Uni Baskets Paderborn in their 93-92 win against Trier.

Paderborn competes in the Pro-A League, the equivalent of the German second division.

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