Category Archives: Tall Ferns

May 09 2016
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Tall Ferns

Tall Ferns Squad Named

New Zealand v Australia - Women's FIBA Oceania Championship

Lisa Wallbutton one of five Australian based players in the squad

The Tall Ferns basketball squad for the upcoming tour of China has been named.

Head Coach Kennedy Kereama has announced a squad of 14 players to tour China and Europe ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in France next month.

The 14 players selected are:

•        Micaela Cocks, aged 30, from North Harbour, plays for Townsville Fire

•        Antonia Edmondson, 28, Canterbury – Perth Lynx

•        Kalani Purcell, 21, Counties Manukau – Brigham Young University-Provo

•        Erin Rooney, 25, Canterbury – Cote D’Opale Basket Calais, France

•        Lisa Wallbutton, 30, North Harbour – Perth Redbacks

•        Jessica Bygate, 24, Nelson – Adelaide Lightning/Sunbury Jets

•        Chevannah Paalvast, 24, Waitakere – Townsville Fire

•        Jordan Hunter, 25, Counties Manukau – Lady Hawks

•        Deena Franklin, 21, North Harbour – Waitakere Lady Rangers

•        Krystal Leger-Walker, 18, Waikato – Waikato Wizards

•        Brooke Blair, 21, North Harbour – Idaho State University

•        Katelyn Noyer, 18, Waitakere – Waitakere Lady Rangers

•        Stella Beck, 20, Hutt Valley – Saint Mary’s College, California

•        Penina Davidson, 20, Waitakere, University of California, Berkley

  Management Team:

•        Head Coach – Kennedy Kereama

•        Assistant Coach – Chris Lucas

•        Assistant Coach – Aik Ho

•        Assistant Coach – Brent Matehaere (For the China leg of the tour)

•        Team Manager – Gail McLauchlan

•        Physio – Ariane Carroll

 

Stella Beck and Penina Davidson will be joining the squad in China. The other 12 players will take part in a two day preparation camp (9 -10 May) in Auckland before departing for China on Wednesday 11 May.

The squad of 14 comprises of 4 New Zealand domiciled players, 4 in the American Collegiate system and 6 overseas based professional players.

The squad will be trimmed to 12 for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament before the Spanish leg of the tour.

Kereama says the programme that has been put together is first class and has no doubt it will prepare the team to be in great shape physically and mentally for a final shot at Rio.

“We have a good group of players that have made themselves available this year, many of whom have just come off great professional or collegiate seasons. The depth in our women’s programme is at an all-time high and we have a lot of players knocking on the door and forcing themselves into contention for selection.

“Competition for places in the touring party of 14 was intense and it will be an even tougher call to name a final 12 for the Olympic Qualifiers in France.”

Kereama says this strong competition has come about largely through an increase in activity for the women’s programme combined with the emergence of a strong generation of players that are making headlines in the U.S. College system and in professional leagues overseas.

The 2016 Tour Schedule is:

 •        14-16 May – Four Nations Tournament v China, Czech Republic and Montenegro in Hengyang, Hunan Province, China.

•        19-21 May – Four Nations Tournament v China, Czech Republic and Montenegro in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

•        23-28 May – Latvia Friendlies, Riga, Latvia

•        29 May – 4 June – Four Nations Tournament v Belarus, Japan and Turkey in Minsk, Belarus.

•        5-9 June – Spain Friendlies in Asturias, Spain.

•        13-19 June – Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, France

Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The Tall Ferns will assemble alongside 12 other nations at the women’s qualifying tournament in Nantes, France: Spain, France, Belarus, Turkey (Europe); Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela (America’s); Cameroon, Nigeria (Africa), China, South Korea (Asia); and New Zealand (Oceania). Only the top five will earn a place in Rio.

 New Zealand has been drawn with heavyweights France (4 in the world) and Cuba (13) in their pool, with the top two teams from each pool of three qualifying for the quarterfinals. New Zealand’s ranking of 22 in the world has them clearly marked as underdogs, but Kereama is backing his team to mix it with the best in France.

“Our build up for the Olympic Qualifier is great. We are playing a number of good teams – in fact nine of the ten are ranked above us, so we will be pushed during every game. We need the best competition possible and the tougher the games the better the preparation for our Olympic Qualification Series. The tournament is going to be cut throat and we need to be playing our best basketball when we arrive in France,” says Kereama.

May 03 2016
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Ferns

Tall Ferns in good form ahead of international season

 

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Jillian Harmon

A number of our international players are in good form ahead of the naming of the Tall Ferns squad next week. The squad to tour China and Europe ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in France will be announced on Monda

The performance of the week came from Tall Ferns forward Jillian Harmon. She scored 28 points as Le Murra Lucca opened their best of three Italian Championship semi-final series with a win. It was tough going for Lucca who were taken to overtime by Venezia before winning 77-73. Harmon played all 45 minutes for the regular season champions and added 5 rebounds to her points haul as Lucca protected their home court.

Game two is set down for Wednesday in Venice and game three if required back in Lucca on Saturday.

 

 

Australia

Tall Ferns Head coach Kennedy Kereama, along with the majority of the Australian based Kiwi internationals, will be heading to Auckland later this week in preparation for the Tall Ferns trial. Before that they had some club commitments to fulfill.

In Big V League Division 1 action it was first versus second as Sunbury Jets entertained Western Port. The Jets, coached by Kereama, held a commanding 58-42 three-quarter time advantage before easing to a 71-60 victory to improve to 7-0 on the season and consolidate top spot.

It wasn’t a game to remember for Jess Bygate; the former Nelson forward scored just 4 points for the Jets as she fouled out in less than thirteen minutes.

It was round one in the Queensland Basketball League and Chevannah Paalvast is suiting up for Townsville Flames for this season. She contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists as Townsville defeated Cairns 79-73.

In Western Australia Toni Edmondson is in good form ahead of the Tall Ferns campaign. Edmondson followed up her 14pts/12rebs display last week with 21 points for Perry Lakes Hawks against East Perth Eagles on Friday in the State Basketball League. The Hawks won 80-44 against the lowly Eagles and improved to 6-1 for the season.

It wasn’t such good news for Lisa Wallbutton and the Perth Redbacks as they were beaten 75-71 in a tight encounter by Cockburn Cougars. Wallbutton came up with an impressive 14 points and 11 rebounds but the Redbacks gave up a five points three-quarter time advantage to slip to 3-3 for the campaign.

US College

 Josie Stockill, about to graduate from Colgate University, was this week recognised as Colgate’s female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

A neuroscience major, Stockill was one of five named to the Women’s Basketball Academic All-Patriot League Team for her efforts in the classroom during the 2015-16 season. The Napier product was a three-time member of both the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and Colgate’s Raider Academic Honor Roll. On the court, Stockill ended her collegiate career as the programme’s career leader for blocked shots in a game (13), season (105) and career (241).

Apr 26 2016
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Edmondson and Wallbutton head overseas performances

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A double double for Toni Edmondson

The performances of the week amongst our international basketball players overseas belonged to the two Western Australian based Tall Ferns, Toni Edmondson and Lisa Wallbutton.

Playing for Perry Lakes Hawks in the Western Australian State League Edmondson produced 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots as the Hawks beat Mandurah Magic 66-56 on Friday.

It was a tight first half but Perry Lakes, now 5-1 for the season, broke the game open in the third quarter with 21 points to 9 to set up the win despite a strong fourth period from Mandurah.

Perth Redbacks had lost two games on the trot but bounced back on ANZAC Day to defeat East Perth Eagles 76-59. Lisa Wallbutton also recorded a double double notching 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Redbacks improve to 4-2 on the season holding fifth spot on the State League ladder a couple of places behind the 5-1 Hawks.

In Melbourne Tall Ferns Head coach Kennedy Kereama’s Sunbury Jets moved to 6-0 for the season in Big V League Division one action.

On Saturday the Jets were far too strong for Hawthorn cruising to a 67-38 one-sided win

Tall Ferns forward Jess Bygate had 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 16 minutes for the Jets as she eases back towards full fitness.

Europe – Women

After winning the Serie A regular season title a couple of weeks ago Le Murra Lucca opened their play-off campaign with a comfortable 85-62 quarter final victory over Napoli on Wednesday.

Played at the Pala Tagliate Lucca opened an 8-0 lead and were never threatened. Jillian Harmon (15 points) was one of five Lucca players in double figures.

Game two was played in Naples on Sunday. That was a lower scoring affair, although the result was the same, Lucca winning 68-47 with Harmon contributing 8 points as they progress to a semi-final meeting with Venezia next weekend.

Europe –Men

Zaragoza moved to equal 14th on the Liga Endesa table after defeating bottom placed Gipuzkoa in San Sebastian 84-75 on Sunday. Isaac Fotu had a relatively quiet game scoring 8 points (converting four from eight shots) and also securing a couple of rebounds.

Next week Zaragoza will entertain Fotu’s former club Manresa, both sides holding an identical 10-19 record for the season.

Rob Loe only played 18 minutes for Limburg United in the Belgium Scooore League fixture with Proximus Spirou on Sunday but it was long enough for him to grab a game high 7 rebounds. The former Westlake Boys centre also produced 4 points and an assist, steal and block as Limburg lost 90-76.

United are now tied for fourth place with Port of Antwerp Giants in the Scooore League. The two teams meet next week at Limburg with just a couple of rounds remaining before play-off action. With the current standing unlikely to alter in the last two rounds the game is a likely precursor to a quarter-final match up between the two teams.

Tom Abercrombie’s club Pinar Karsiyaka had its scheduled game against Galatasaray deferred for a couple of weeks. Galatasaray are in the midst of a two game Eurocup Final series against Strasbourg trailing 66-62 from the first leg. Game two is in Istanbul on Wednesday.S

Apr 20 2016
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Tall Ferns, Womens Basketball

Lucas commits to Tall Ferns

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Lucas to remain with Tall Ferns

Tall Ferns assistant coach Chris Lucas has announced that he is stepping down from one of his current coaching roles; fortunately it is not the one involving the Tall Ferns.

The highly credentialed South Australian has recently announced that he is relinquishing his position after five years at the helm of the Townsville Fire. During that time the Fire have enjoyed unprecedented success winning the Australian Women’s National Basketball League championship for the last two seasons after finishing runners-up in the two preceding years.

It has been a tough decision to make but Lucas has spent large parts of the past eight years away from his wife and family in Adelaide as he has pursued his basketball coaching dreams.

“To have had a semi-final, four grand finals and two championships in my time at the club is something that is pretty special and something that I am very proud of.”

“I have had five years in Townsville and three years before that in Canberra and been fortunate enough to have been involved in seven of the last eight WNBL Grand finals. My family have been extremely supportive of my dreams and my passion of coaching women’s basketball and I think this is now the time to give back to them.”

Fortunately for New Zealand basketball Lucas still feels he can commit to this year’s international programme. The Tall Ferns commitment will again take him away from family but only for five or six weeks as the Ferns prepare for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in France in June.

“I have every intention of continuing to be involved in the programme and trying to get through to the Olympics.”

When overlooked by Basketball Australia for their international programme in 2015 Tall Ferns head coach Kennedy Kereama was quick to add Lucas to his coaching team.

“I wanted someone who could challenge me philosophically and someone who has also been in my position as an international head coach. Chris has a wealth of knowledge and to really enhances the Tall Ferns programme,” said Kereama.

Veteran Tall Ferns guard Micaela Cocks has spent the past five seasons playing under Lucas’ tenure at Townsville and has no doubts about his qualities.

“Chris brings world class experience into the programme. He has been a part of the Australian set up and they are top three in the world so he knows what it takes to win and has an immense understanding and knowledge of the game.

He is passionate and dedicated and will work hard to give the players the best he can.”

Fellow Olympian Lisa Wallbutton also speaks highly of Lucas.

New Zealand v Australia - Women's FIBA Oceania Championship

Lisa Wallbutton 

“Chris is an extremely passionate coach, he has a good analytical eye for the game and his tactical knowledge is one of the strengths he brings to the Tall Ferns programme. Chris brings a winning mentality to the team coming from a very successful programmes in Australia, he knows how to get the best out his players and create a winning culture,” she said.

“I still have a burning desire to help the Tall Ferns achieve the ultimate goal”, said Lucas.

Those words will be music in the ears of Kereama and his 23 player training squad that assemble in Auckland early next month.The full squad is:

23 Named for Tall Ferns trial

Apr 18 2016
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Bailey heading home, Cocks staying put

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Duane Bailey should be back in Sharks colours this week

The major news involving Kiwi international players overseas this week is that Duane Bailey is about to depart London bound for Invercargill and Tall Ferns star Micaela Cocks has re signed for Townsville Fire for a further two seasons.

Duane Bailey came close to a triple double for Plymouth Raiders against Glasgow Rocks on Wednesday but it was virtually his last offering in the British Basketball League season.

At the beginning of the week the Raiders shared eighth spot with Leeds Force and had to match the Force record in the final two games of the regular season to make the play-offs. Leeds had the far easier schedule playing the two bottom placed teams, Manchester and Surrey.

However Plymouth were defeated 87-77 on the road at Glasgow Rocks on Wednesday where Bailey had an impressive stat line of 12pts, 10rebs, 7assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

The loss opened the door for Leeds who duly won their final two games and condemned Plymouth to ninth spot despite the Raiders winning their last game, 84-76, at home to Sheffield on Sunday (Bailey, 8 points and 5 rebounds).

Bailey has confirmed that he expects to be back in time to play for Southland Sharks in the New Zealand NBL this week. The Sharks have a tough three games in five days road trip beginning with a visit to Nelson on Thursday. It may be more realistic for Bailey to target the game in Taranaki on Friday. Southland round out the tri-trip against the Saints in Wellington next Monday.

Plymouth finished with a 13-20 record, one win and one place outside the play-off picture.

In other news from Europe Zaragoza was only 6 points behind visitors Gran Canaria at three-quarter time on Sunday but could make little headway in reducing the lead eventually falling 96-87. Isaac Fotu had an efficient shooting night on his way to 14 points and 4 rebounds. The former Rangitoto College standout converted both of his free throws as well as 6 from 9 field goals.

Zaragoza remain 15th on the Liga Endesa table with a 9-19 record but must beat bottom placed Gipuzkoa in San Sebastian next week to avoid becoming embroiled in the relegation battle.

Tom Abercrombie’s club Pinar Karsiyaka had a comfortable 82-60 win against Torku Konyaspor in Turkish League action on Saturday. Abercrombie had 11 points, 2 rebounds a pair of steals and an assist as Karsiyaka consolidate sixth place in the TBL with a 15-11 record. Four rounds remain in the regular season.

Limburg United had a bye in the Belgium League this week giving Rob Loe and his team a weekend off.

Australia – Women

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Micaela Cocks staying with Townsville Fire 

 

In a week when the Tall Ferns 23 player training squad was named it was also announced that Micaela Cocks has signed on for a further two years with Townsville Fire.

The WNBL Grand Final MVP has enjoyed tremendous success at Townsville, the Fire not missing the play-offs in her five years with the club. Cocks has made 129 appearances for the defending champions and is looking forward to further triumphs with the Queensland club.

“I have really enjoyed contributing to the success of the Fire over the past five years and I could think of nothing better than winning a third championship for Townsville and all of our wonderful fans,” Cocks said.

“Townsville is my home away from home now and I’m looking forward to the season ahead. It should be another great year.”

Before that Cocks has the Tall Ferns Olympic Qualifying Tournament to look forward to.

On the court a number of the Tall Ferns training squad were in action at the weekend.

In Western Australia it wasn’t a weekend to remember for the two Tall Ferns playing in the State League.

The Perth Redbacks (3-2) suffered a second successive loss going down 76-68 to Stirling Senators. Lisa Wallbutton finished with a massive 15 rebounds to go with 9 points and a brace of assists. Other than free throws (5 out of 8) it wasn’t the best of shooting nights for the former Harbour forward connecting with just 2 from 13 attempts from the field.

Toni Edmondson also had a shooting night to forget managing a paltry 3 from 15 attempts. The swingman finished with 6 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as Perry Lakes (4-1) lost its first game of the season going down in a tight one, 68-67 to Joondalup Wolves.

In Melbourne Tall Ferns Head coach Kennedy Kereama’s Sunbury Jets embarrassed two opponents in Big V League Division one action.

The Jets accounted for Weribee Devils 108-45 on Saturday and Craigieburn Eagles 95-40 on Sunday.

The victories were achieved without much contribution from Jess Bygate who is still nursing an injury.

Europe – Women

Neither Jillian Harmon or Erin Rooney were in action for their respective clubs at the weekend.

Harmon’s Le Murra Lucca await the outcome of the Torino versus Napoli three game series ahead of their Italian League quarter-final tie on April 21.

Rooney’s club Calais had a bye in the French League although it is unclear when the guard will return to action having not played since mid February due to injury.

Apr 11 2016
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Tall Ferns, Womens Basketball

23 Named for Tall Ferns trial

 

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Toni Edmondson back in the Tall Ferns frame

The Tall Ferns women’s basketball team have confirmed their schedule for a final shot at qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and will leave no stone unturned in an intensive five-week campaign to prepare for FIBA Qualifier in France in mid-June.

Head Coach Kennedy Kereama has announced the 23 players invited to trial in Auckland in early May, all striving to make a 14 strong playing roster. These 14 players will travel to China and Europe, before a final 12 is named to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in France in mid-June.

There are four players not selected or unavailable from the 2015 international programme – Natalie Taylor, Megan Craig, Tessa Boagni and Jacinta Beckley.

Kereama says the programme that has been put together and has no doubt it will prepare the team to be in great shape physically and mentally for a final shot at Rio.

“We have a good group of players that have made themselves available this year, many of whom have just come off great professional or collegiate seasons. The depth in our women’s programme is at an all-time high and we have a lot of players knocking on the door and forcing themselves into the selection conversation.”

The Tall Ferns will assemble alongside 12 other nations at the women’s qualifying tournament in France: Spain, France, Belarus, Turkey (Europe); Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela (America’s); Cameroon, Nigeria (Africa), China, South Korea (Asia); and New Zealand (Oceania). Only the top five will earn a place in Rio.

New Zealand has been drawn with heavyweights France (4 in the world) and Cuba (13) in their pool, with the top two teams from each pool of three qualifying for the quarterfinals. New Zealand’s ranking of 22 in the world has them clearly ranked as underdogs, but Kereama is backing his team to mix it with the best in France.

“Our build up for the Olympic Qualifier is great. We are playing a number of good teams – in fact nine of the ten are ranked above us, so we will be pushed during every game. We need the best competition possible and the tougher the games the better the preparation for our Olympic Qualification Series. The tournament is going to be cut throat and we need to be playing our best basketball when we arrive in France.”

Kereama says competition for places in the touring party of 14 will be intense, let alone the even tougher call to name a final 12 for the Qualifier in France. He says this has come about largely through an increase in activity for the women’s programme combined with the emergence of a strong generation of players that are making headlines in the US College system and in professional leagues.

“The quality and standard of our players is getting better and better and leagues such as Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC), American College and pro leagues (WNBL and Euro leagues) are helping foster and further develop our best talent. Many countries are starting to recognize the talent that we are producing and more of our players are creating those playing opportunities for themselves further away from home.”

The players invited to trial for the Tall Ferns in Auckland on May 7/8 are:

Stella Beck, Small Forward, (Saint Mary’s College of California), Brooke Blair, Point Guard, (Idaho State University), Jessica Bygate, Stretch Forward, (Adelaide Lightning), Micaela Cocks, Point Guard, (Townsville Fire), Shea Crotty, Point Guard, (Canterbury Wildcats), Penina Davidson, Centre, (University of California), Antonia Edmondson, Shooting Guard, (Perth Lynx), Deena Franklin, Small Forward, (Harbour Breeze), Samara Gallaher, Shooting Guard, (Hume City Broncos), Jillian Harmon, Stretch Forward, (Le Mura Lucca, Italy), Jordan Hunter, Point Guard, (ACM Lady Hawks), Breana Jones, Shooting Guard, (ACM Lady Hawks), Krystal Leger-Walker, Point Guard, (Waikato Wizards), Hailey Moala (nee Purcell), Shooting Guard, (Auckland Counties Manukau Lady Hawks), Katelin Noyer, Centre, (Waitakere Lady Rangers), Chevannah Paalvast, Shooting Guard, (Townsville Fire), Kalani Purcell, Small Forward, (Brigham Young University- PROVO), Erin Rooney, Shooting Guard, (Cote D’Opale Basket Calais), Terai Sadler, Small Forward, (Canterbury Wildcats), Josephine Stockill, Center, (Colgate University), Dru Toleafoa, Small Forward, (Santa Clara University), Jessica Tuki, Stretch Forward, (Taranaki Thunder), Lisa Wallbutton, Stretch Forward, (Perth Redbacks)

Tall Ferns Preparation for FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Dates
7-8 May, Trials, Auckland
9-11 May Preparation Camp, Auckland
12-22 May Four Nations Tournament v’s China, Czech Republic and Montenegro),  China
23-28 May, Latvia Friendlies in Riga, Latvia
29 May-4 June, Four Nations Tournament (vs v Belarus, Japan and Turkey) Minsk, Belarus
5-9 June, Spain Friendlies, Asturias, Spain
13-19 June, Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Nantes, France

Apr 04 2016
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Kiwi's Abroad, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Plenty of action overseas over the weekend

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Impressive stats line from Tom Abercrombie

It has been a productive week for our overseas based international basketball players with all producing double figure scoring efforts in the last few days.

Europe –Men

A couple of our European based Tall Blacks have requested to be listed as free agents for next season’s Australian National Basketball League. Rob Loe and Duane Bailey appear on the list that was released last Friday and it will be interesting to see if they secure contracts in this part of the world.

Their current clubs had differing fortunes over the weekend.

Rob Loe and his Limburg club solidified fourth spot on the Belgium League ladder winning 72-64 against Port of Antwerp Giants. The Tall Blacks centre had 7 points (2/3FG) and 6 rebounds. Loe scored 13 points in the midweek loss, 80-68, to Proximus Spirou.

Plymouth Raiders had their work cut out visiting British Basketball League leaders Leicester Riders on Sunday so could have done without one of their key players being ejected from the game. Cory Dixon was shown the door, following a second technical foul, after just 10 minutes of play. Operating with a short rotation anyway the Raiders were always going to struggle from that point and not surprisingly lost 92-68.

Duane Bailey scored 16 points and added 6 rebounds and 3 assists as the Raiders cling on to the eighth spot with a 12-17 record – just three regular season games remain for the Raiders.

Tom Abercrombie appears to have slotted comfortably into his new surroundings at Turkish club Pinar Karsiyaka. The Tall Blacks and Breakers swingman produced an impressive stats line of 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block as Karsiyaka defeated TED Kolejliler 90-79 on the road.Karsiyaka have a 14-10 record and sit 6th on the Turkish League table.

Corey Webster played all 40 minutes for Koroivos as they lost 92-78 against PAOK and remain in relegation trouble in the Greek League. The shooting guard dished 7 assists and scored 12 points as Koroivos slipped to a seventh straight loss.

Isaac Fotu was in fine form for Zaragoza as they defeated Estudian 81-62 on Sunday. One of four Zaragoza players in double figures Fotu accumulated 16 points and also secured 7 rebounds during 25 minutes of court time. Zaragoza improved to 14th in Liga Endesa with an 8-17 record.

Europe – Women

 A third loss in a row has resulted in Le Murra Lucca bowing out of the Italian Cup at the semi-final stage. Lucca were defeated 68-60 by Famila Schio on Saturday despite yet another strong performance from Jillian Harmon.

The Tall Ferns forward scored 29 points and also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 steals in a losing cause.

Australia – Women

Tall Ferns Head coach Kennedy Kereama is also head coach of the Sunbury Jets in the Victorian Big V League. Kereama has recruited Tall Fern Jess Bygate for the 2016 season and the former Nelson Sparks forward produced an 11 points and 6 rebounds effort on Saturday as the Jets beat Chelsea on the road to move to 2-0 for the season.

Apr 03 2016
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Tall Ferns, WBC

Paalvast shines as top six found at WBC

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A WBC season high 42 points for Chevannah Paalvast

Most interest on day three of Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC) play in Nelson on Sunday centred around which team would claim the sixth and final play-off spot.

Entering the penultimate game of the day Capital Flyers, Nelson Sparks and Taranaki Thunder, all vying for that sixth spot, had three wins apiece.

Taranaki had the superior points differential record meaning Nelson Sparks needed to beat Waitakere Lady Rangers to edge out both Taranaki and Capital.

The Sparks found themselves 23-19 in arrears at quarter time against Watakere Lady Rangers and it got worse for the hosts as a Chevannah Paalvast inspired Rangers took control of the contest with an 18-0 run. Fresh from her Australian WNBL success with Townsville Fire Paalvast was in terrific form scoring 25 first half points to give her team a 50-32 lead at the break.

Kat Jones (20pts) and Jodi Hikuroa-Jeffrey (28pts) kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Sparks but despite plenty of vocal encouragement they were unable to threaten the Lady Rangers control of the game. Shooting a highly respectable 42% (19/32) from three point range the visitors eased out to a 96-73 victory on the back of 42 points from Paalvast, a competition high this season.

A philosophical Kat Jones was disappointed but paid credit to the opposition.

“The game got away from us in the second quarter and whilst we didn’t allow the margin to increase in the second half we were not able to get enough stops to threaten their lead.”

“We are not used to playing against a player of Chev Paalvast’s ability and also Deena Franklin was outstanding”

Earlier in the day Taranaki Thunder appeared to be heading for their fourth win of the campaign when they led ACM Lady Hawks 50-38 at three quarter time and were still ahead 57-54 with three minutes to play. Unfortunately the Thunder failed to score in the final four minutes of the game and fell to a 66-57 defeat.

Taranaki guard Jenna Kensington scored 15 points and Jess Tuki produced the stats line of the tournament 18pts/17rebs/3a/3b/3st but it was not enough as a 30 points haul from Jordan Hunter inspired an ACM come from behind victory.

Capital Flyers recorded a third straight win to keep their faint top six hopes alive. The Flyers, paced by impressive guard Kayla Kiriau (26pts), proved too good for Tauranga City Coasters winning 72-49. The Coasters were well in contention at half-time trailing by single digits but faded in the second half. Captain Courtney Wilson scored 13 points and the tireless Tayla Kendrick had 6 points to go with 16 rebounds but it was Capital that took the honours.

Leanne Walker was forced into action for an undermanned Waikato Wizards in their encounters with Oceana Gold Rush Otago and Taranaki Thunder. The fourty-six year old former Olympian played 16 minutes as the Wizards fell 68-46, trailing throughout, against the Gold Rush. Once again Otago produced a balanced scoring effort headed by 14 points each from Aleisha Ruske and Soraya Umaga-Jensen. Forward Kelcy Ballanytyne had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards.

Walker did even better against Taranaki scoring 9 points in 23 minutes although it was daughter Krystal who did most the damage as Waikato edged a tight one 58-56. Krystal scored 14 points and forward Miriam Stevens 13 points for the Gold and Blacks. Jess Tuki scored 17 points for the Thunder and Joellen How chipped in with 9 points.

The Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats breezed to a comprehensive 68-26 win against Te Tai Tokerau Phoenix to preserve their unbeaten record. Jaimee Lee-Tito (15pts/8rebs) led the scoring and rebounding for the Phoenix but the collective ability of the Wildcats proved too much for the Northerners. Import Ashley Gayle had a double double of 15 points and 13 rebounds for the ‘Cats’ who also had four players with 8 points.

So it is Taranaki Thunder that will join Canterbury, Otago, Waikato, ACM and Waitakere in the championship section when the WBC comes to an exciting conclusion in Porirua next month.

Taranaki coach Angelo Hill was delighted with the efforts of his young team.

“We have five players still at school and another just out of school so for this group to have made the top six is a credit to their effort and commitment. The older players have been excellent in mentoring the younger one’s and there is a really good spirit in the team.”

“We just need to stay healthy between now and the next tournament in Porirua in order to give a good account of ourselves. I’m enjoying coaching this team and they have come a long way in a short time.”

Oceana Gold Rush Otago will host Canterbury Wildcats in Dunedin on April 17 in the final round robin game of the season. That fixture will determine top seeding in this season’s WBC competition.

WBC Current Standings

8-0 Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats

7-1 Oceana Gold Rush Otago

7-2 ACM Lady Hawks

6-3 Waitakere Lady Rangers, Waikato Wizards

3-6 Taranaki Thunder (Qualify top 6 on count back)

3-6 Nelson Sparks, Capital Flyers

1-8 Tauranga City Coasters

0-9 Te Tai Tokerau Phoenix

Mar 30 2016
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Tall Ferns, WBC

WBC Preview

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 Chevannah Paalvast is a welcome addition to Lady Rangers team.

The New Zealand Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC) resumes this weekend with Nelson hosting the second of three tournament weekends played to decide the best women’s provincial basketball team in the country.

The tournament is played this Friday to Sunday, (April 1-3) with all games played at Saxton Arena, 142 Saxton Road East, Nelson, with ten provincial teams contesting the 2016 championship.

The WBC takes on the same format as last year with some games played outside the three tournament weekends, in an attempt to promote the women’s games and profile the players in their local associations.

One of these was played in Auckland earlier in the month when Waitakere Lady Rangers travelled down the Western Motorway and recorded an exciting 84-79 overtime win against Auckland Counties Manukau Lady Hawks.

The major news from the Waitakere camp is that Tall Fern Chevannah Paalvast returns to her former club. Paalvast recently won an Australian WNBL championship with Townsville Fire and her appearance will be a major boost to Rangers coach Aik Ho and his charges.

“Chev is an excellent addition to our squad especially as we have lost the services of veteran guard Amanda Buck. Her experience will be of enormous help to our younger players and obviously her on court ability speaks for itself,” said Ho.

The Lady Hawks will have a settled line up in Nelson but will have to manage without the vastly experienced Hailey Moala (nee Purcell) in the third tournament as she is off to play club basketball in the Queensland State League.

Defending champions Oceana Gold Rush Otago were heartened by a 72-70 overtime victory against Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats at Cowles Stadium on Good Friday.

Although a non-championship game the performance was a boost for Otago as coach Todd Marshall explains.

“It was a really pleasing result, we were able to hit our shots down the stretch and trust in each other, the game could have gone either way, it was good for the team to play in front of Canterbury’s crowd and show good composure in overtime”

“Both Janet Main (21pts) and Bronwyn Kjestrup (18pts/8rebs) led the way defensively as well as on offense, the longer the game went the more our players were able to take their opportunities on offense to help spread the load”

Marshall is looking forward to the games in Nelson this weekend.

“We have four games that we will need to be up for if we want to be in with a chance of winning. Soraya Umaga-Jensen comes back into the squad bringing some added experience and toughness, however Nicole Ruske is unavailable as she will be away with the Junior Tall Ferns in China”.

Canterbury assistant coach Sally Farmer turned out for the Wildcats last Friday scoring 11 points in 19 minutes of action. It is unclear if the 39-year-old double Olympian will suit up in Nelson but this is what Canterbury coach Lori McDaniel said about the former Tall Fern earlier in the season.

“Sally has agreed to be on the roster and we are hopeful she will play in at least one tournament. I think it is great for the younger players to have someone of Sally’s experience willing to be in the mix.”

Will that tournament be Nelson this weekend?

Jessica Tuki could well be back in contention for a Tall Ferns recall after her outstanding performances for Taranaki Thunder in the opening tournament in Tauranga.

The Thunder are in a rebuilding phase with a very young squad and will need Tuki at her dominant best if they are to threaten a top six finish.

Taranaki’s encounter with 2012 Champions Nelson Sparks on Friday looks to be one of the key match ups in deciding top six play-off places. The Sparks, with home court advantage, will start out favourites but Kat Jones and her team will be taking nothing for granted.

Another player looking for an international recall is Krystal Leger-Walker. The Waikato Wizards guard, like Tuki, debuted for the Ferns in 2014. Still only 18 Leger-Walker is a key player for the 2013 and 2014 WBC runners-up who have recently recruited Georgia Perrott-Hunt and Olivia Bell from North Harbour.

Capital Flyers, Te Tai Tokerau Phoenix and Tauranga City Coasters all struggled in tournament one and it will need a major change in fortune for any of these teams to be in championship contention come finals time in Porirua in May.

Games get underway at 8.30am on Friday with the hosts entertaining Te Tai Tokerau Phoenix and the undefeated Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats taking on Tauranga City Coasters.

WBC current standings:

4-0 Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats

4-1 Waitakere Lady Rangers

4-2 ACM Lady Hawks

3-1 Waikato Wizards, Oceana Gold Rush Otago,

2-2 Taranaki Thunder

1-3 Tauranga City Coasters, Nelson Sparks

0-4 Te Tai Tokerau Phoenix

0-5 Capital Flyers

Mar 24 2016
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NZ NBL, Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns

Basketball duo tie the Knot

BAWARDS_083Shea Ili has had a frantic few weeks and things aren’t about to slow down anytime soon for the Breakers and Tall Blacks point guard. It’s his very own version of ‘March Madness’.

As soon as the Breakers season ended, following their Australian NBL Grand Final series loss to the Perth Wildcats, Ili was back on a plane heading for Wellington to link up with the Saints for the start of the local New Zealand NBL competition.

As if a heavy basketball schedule wasn’t challenging enough Ili returns to Auckland to marry fiancée Morgan Roberts today.

The pair have been sustaining a long-term relationship for the past seven months since Roberts began attending Oregon Tech University on a basketball scholarship last August. Roberts is an outstanding player in her own right earning a Tall Ferns trial last year after eye-catching performances for the North Harbour Under 23 and Harbour Breeze WBC teams.

Following the nuptials the pair will embark on a brief honeymoon before continuing their basketball careers on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean and yet more time apart.

Ili made a strong impression on the Breakers coaching staff during the recent campaign and despite being a development player was preferred to the more experienced Shane McDonald in all five play-off games. The deciding third game in Perth was an experience the 23 year old admits caught him off guard.

“It was an experience to learn from but I felt like I wasn’t prepared to play in front of such a massive crowd. It was so loud you couldn’t even hear your teammates.”

Playing directly opposite Perth’s Damian Martin, the Grand Final MVP and five times NBL Best Defensive Player, enabled Ili to see first hand the level he wants to take his game to.

“It was definitely something to learn from playing against such a great defensive player. I look up to him and the way he plays, it’s how I want to be – a pest on defence.”

Taking his game to a higher level is the major motivation behind his move to the capital. At the Saints he falls under the guidance of former Breakers guard, now Wellington coach, Kevin Braswell.

“I’m enjoying playing for Wellington with the responsibility of being the starting point guard. My role is to lead the team and take them as far as I can. One of the main reasons for going to Wellington was to be mentored by Kevin, he’s been around the world playing basketball and I thought it was a good opportunity especially to help my scoring and offensive game.”

The Saints have given their point guard leave of absence to tie the knot, although not for long.

“We go to Fiji for four days then when we get back I head straight down to Southland to play the Sharks and Morgan heads back to college,” says Ili.

Having had his first taste of international basketball in 2015 the former Onehunga High School standout is keen to make the Tall Blacks team again but it could come at a price for the hoops duo.

“We will be together for a couple of weeks when Morgan’s academic year is finished in June but if I make the Tall Blacks I probably won’t see her again for over a year.”

It’s likely Skype will be keeping Shea and Morgan linked for some time yet.

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