Category Archives: Womens Basketball

Sep 12 2022
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Age Group Basketball, Womens Basketball

Auckland contingent performed well at the Women’s U18 FIBA Asian Championship

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. 

Aug 19 2022
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Womens Basketball

D League semi-finals settled

Basketball

The Women’s D League Grand Final will be a North Island versus South Island affair with Etco Auckland Dream Black taking on Otago Gold Rush on Saturday afternoon at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland.

In the first semi-final on Friday the Etco Auckland Dream comfortably held off the challenge of the Platinum Homes Harbour Breeze winning the Battle of the Bridge 88-65.

Resolute defence and a superior shooting performance got the Dream home. In comparison to Harbour’s 2 from 22 from beyond the arc Auckland had six different players connect from deep for a combined 9 from 22 (40%).

Riana Rangi-Brown led the Dream scoring with 18 points, the livewire guard receiving able support from Summer-Jean Motufoua (16 points).  Elianna Tuaiti, Casyn Buchman and Coola Baudry were also double figure contributors.

For the Breeze the Westlake Girls High duo of MacKenzie Chatfield and Izzy Pugh led the way with 20 points and 18 respectively.

The Dream set the tone early on – Rangi-Brown helping herself to 9 points in a 19-11 opening salvo.

Chatfield, having played for the Northern Kāhu in Wellington the night before, made 8 second quarter points for the Breeze but a triple from Dream player-coach Darci Finnigan kept her team in the ascendancy.

Another trey from Buchman helped further – Dream 37-33 ahead at half-time.

Dream quickly established a 10-point lead and when Trinity Paeu hit a baseline jumper the margin was up to 13 (54-41).

Pugh reduced the dficit back to 10 but it was just a brief respite as the Dream 3-point shooting heated up – closing the quarter with a 14-4 run they held all the cards at three-quarter time with a 68-48 lead. 

The Breeze made a 6-0 run to threaten a comeback but it was a mere temporary inconvenience for the Dream as they comfortably advanced to Saturday’s final.

Dream 88 – Rangi-Brown 18, Motufoua 16, Baudry 11, Tuaiti 11, Buchman 10 

Breeze 65 – Chatfield 20, Pugh 18/10rebs, Anderson 10, Negishi 7

In the second semi the all-South Island dual went the way of Otago Gold Rush defeating Canterbury 80-69.

Sophie Adams posted a big double-double of 24 points (9/12FG) and 13 points – Tyler Mitchell also played a good hand with 14 points. Hannah Matehaere joined Adams in double-double territory with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Caitlin O’Connell was within a point of a DD with 9 points and 10 rebounds. The rebounding numbers were heavily in favour of Otago as they won the battle on the boards 63-45.

Gemma Etheridge (9 points and 10 rebounds) and Hannah Mischewski (9 points) supported Nicole Gleason’s team high 21 points but it wasn’t quite enough to see off their southern neighbours. 

Adams had 13 points to her name as Otago edged the opening quarter 21-19.

Gleason scored 9 points in the second period and with Tatiana Kaumoana draining a long three it was the Cantabs with the half-time advantage (36-33).

That lead was quickly erased by Matehaere before Annabelle Ring gave Otago the lead. Tyler Mitchell (14 points) made some telling scores as Gold Rush took the third 20-12 to lead 53-48 at the last break.

A Karereatua triple three minutes into the fourth pulled Canterbury to within a point (61-59) and a grandstand finish looked on the cards.

However Otago, as they had in the quarter final win against Waikato, controlled the closing minutes. They outscored Canterbury 11-2 over the following five minutes to establish a 72-61 advantage.

Canterbury were unable to put a dent in that lead, Otago marching on to a Dream final!

Gold Rush 80 – Adams 24, Mitchell 14, Matehaere 12, O’Connell 9 

Canterbury 69 – Gleason 21, Herman 9, Etheridge 9, Mischewski 9

Aug 19 2022
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Womens Basketball

D League – Day 2 wrap as semi-finalists are found

There was plenty of action on Day 2 of the Women’s D League at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on Thursday.

After four Preliminary Quarter-Finals in the morning and Quarter-Finals in the second half of the day the 12 team field has been narrowed to four with Friday’s semi-finalists being Canterbury, Otago Gold Rush, Auckland Dream and Harbour Breeze.

In the all South Island tie Canterbury enjoyed 20-point performances from Nicole Gleason and Karereatua Williams as they recorded a decisive 95-62 victory.

A competitive first period was edged 19-15 by Canterbury before Southland were held to just 10 points in the second quarter to find themselves 44-25 in arrears at the interval.

Canterbury eased away in the second half to book their semi-final berth.

Southland 62 – J O’Connell 16, M Hunter 12, M Tinnock 11

Canterbury 95 – N Gleason 24, K Williams 21, G Etheridge 11, L Pale 10

Defending champions Rotorua Lady Geysers were ousted 95-62 by Etco Auckland Dream.

The Dream powered to a 27-15 first quarter lead, increased that to 45-25 by half-time and built that steadily throughout the second half.

Riana Rangi-Brown paced the Dream effort with 31 points.

Auckland 99 – R Rangi-Brown 31, C Buchman 14, W Clarken 11, T Paeu 8

Rotorua 56 – A Haumaha 17, C Lacey-Rameka 13, M Mapengo 13, P Pene 7

In the game of the day Otago Gold Rush held off Waikato Wizards to win 70-64 in a tight finish. 

Trailing 64-63 with 90 seconds to play Otago held their nerve down the stretch to clinch the tie in an exciting finish.

Otago forward Hannah Matehaere, on her way to a game high 25 points, made the go-ahead scores. With Caitlin O’Connell and Hannah Beede solid from the foul line and Waikato held scoreless Otago prevailed to earn a semi-final match up with Canterbury. 

With Ariel Cowley in good touch Waikato opened up an 8-point lead after half-time only to be pegged back by the three-quarter mark – 51 points apiece at that point.

It remained a one possession game throughout the fourth before Matehaere and Otago sealed the victory to earn a semi-final match up against Canterbury.

Otago 70 – H Matehaere 25, H Beede 12, C O’Connell 11, A Ring 7

Waikato 64 – A Cowley 15, S Walker-Pitman 12, R Walker-Pitman 12, H Moala 11

SealesWinslow Taranaki Thunder made a bright start against Platinum Homes Harbour Breeze before going down 70-47.

The Thunder, with Daneka Tu’lneau dominating inside, were ahead 15-12 at quarter time. Still all square early in the second, the Breeze then grabbed the initiative to lead 37-30 at half-time – Yume Negishi impressing for Harbour.

Taranaki ran out of gas in the third outscored 24-6 to trail 61-36 at three-quarter time – Harbour headed to a Battle of the Bridge against Auckland Dream on Friday.

Taranaki 47 – D Tu’lneau 14, E Trolove 7

Harbour Breeze 70 – Y Negishi 16, I Pugh 16, N Scales 15, H Wentworth 8

Friday’s Semi—Final Draw

Canterbury v Otago

Auckland v Harbour

Preliminary Quarter-Finals Results:

Rotorua Lady Geysers 78 Etco Auckland Dream Blue 64

Manawatu 42 Canterbury 115

Northland Phoenix 35 Waikato Wizards 82

Nov 21 2020
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NZ WNBL, NZNBL, Womens Basketball

Williams-Mackey in Dreamland

Arielle Williams Mackey helped propel Auckland Dream to a second straight Sal’s NBL 18IN18 victory at Bruce Pulman Arena on Friday.

The shooting guard produced a game high 19 points (8/13FG) as the Dream proved too good for Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats winning 66-51.

The 18-year old, the youngest member of the Dream, has also announced that she will be headed to Brigham Young University (BYU) on a 4-year basketball scholarship.

Dream forward Amanda Wayment is a former BYU captain and of course former Dream standout and Tall Ferns captain Kalani Purcell is also a former Cougar.

Full game report below:

https://women.nznbl.basketball/dream-claw-wildcats-to-make-it-two-from-two/

Nov 08 2020
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School Basketball, Womens Basketball

City too slick for Shore

The Girl’s edition of Battle of the Bridge was held at St Mary’s College on Saturday evening with City running out winners 81-64.

Shore were quickest out of the gate and led by double figures at the mid-point of the first quarter as Aroha Rogers, Rosie Dil and Makenzee Boucher made an immediate impact on the game.

City worked their way back into the contest at the backend of the period – five straight points from Lily Parke giving them a 22-21 quarter time lead.

Once ahead City steadily built their advantage to lead 44-34 at half-time and 64-51 at the three-quarter mark.

MacKenzie Chatfield made some eye catching plays for Shore but City always had the answers with MVP Flo Dallow, Parke, Odessa Lawson, and the Tenana-Williams sisters, Leata and Safena, all impressing.

As with the Boy’s game the previous day another good crowd was in attendance for what will hopefully become an annual celebration of girl’s high school basketball. Saturday evening was just that, congratulations to the organisers and all the players that provided the entertainment.

City 81 – Parke 20, Dallow 11, Lawson 8, Tyla Tevaga 8, Zaaliyah Kailahi-Fulu 8, S Tenana-Williams 5, Imogene Noble 5, Lelani Robertson 5, Monica Kelly 4, L Tenana-Williams 4, Ramona Fuaivaa 4, Maria Tatupu 2

Shore 64 – Chatfield 18, Boucher 8, Dil 7, Kellie Tawhio 7, A Rogers 7, Waiaaria Rogers 7, Emma Pugh 5, Centaine Noom-Duckworth 3, Qaizden Stephano 2

Sep 03 2020
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Tall Ferns, Womens Basketball

Kiwi’s prominent in QBL again

In the latest action from the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) RedCity Roar did anything but roar against the in-form Southern District Spartans whilst Logan Thunder roll on unbeaten. 

The Roar versus Spartans clash featured a posse of Kiwis although it was the Purcell sisters Kalani and Natalie Taylor that were smiling at the finish with the Spartans smashing the Roar 94-63.

Taylor was within an assist of a triple double as she finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 9 dimes whilst Kalani was equally prolific with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Ashleigh Karaitiana took her run of double-doubles to four with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Roar and fellow Kiwis Kayla Kiriau (8 points and 12 rebounds), Ajiah Siosiua-Pepe (9 points) and Karlene Kingi (4 points) were also contributors but the Roar were well beaten on the night and slip to a 2-2 record.

The Spartans are 4-1 after making it two-from-two last weekend with a 77-63 road win at North Gold Coast Seahawks.

Once again Kalani Purcell was prominent with 14 points and 9 boards.

Logan Thunder remain top of the QBL ladder with a 4-0 record after two massive wins at the weekend. On Saturday they demolished Ipswich Force 94-56 and were even more convincing on Sunday thumping South West Metro Pirates 89-39. 

Chevannah Paalvast scored just the 2 points against the Pirates but a healthy 14 points against the Force.

Tall Black Tyrell Harrison added 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks to 15 points but the Southern District Spartans couldn’t handle RedCity Roar going down 123-109 in the Men’s QBL.

Nov 13 2019
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WBC, Womens Basketball

Canterbury Wildcats appoint Dene Robinson as Head Coach

Dene Robinson

Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats fielded applications from both within New Zealand and overseas but have chosen to go with home grown talent in appointing Dene Robinson to the position of Head Coach. 

Wildcats Chair Murray Kennedy is delighted to have secured Robinson’s services.

“We received applications from all over the world for this role but we’re very happy that Dene’s name was among them. He’s a real basketball guy with a passion for the game, a born and bred Cantabrian and he has a great track record as a coach. We’re looking forward to working with him”.

Robinson takes over the Wildcats head coach position from Lori McDaniel who relinquished the role at the end of the 2019 season.

Robinson, the Canterbury Basketball Association Coach of the Year in 2012, has won a number of titles at club and provincial level and was also Assistant Coach to the Canterbury Rams between 2002 and 2006.

In addition, Robinson has also had plenty of experience coaching women’s basketball having had stints at the helm of the University of Canterbury Women’s Premier team and as assistant to the Canterbury U19 Women’s team.

“I’ve had a long term involvement in basketball, particularly in Canterbury and had some great experiences coaching women’s basketball,” said Robinson.

During her five years at the helm of the Wildcats McDaniel was arguably the most successful Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC) coach in the country. 

In her first year in charge the Wildcats finished sixth then in 2016 and 2017 they won back to back championships with McDaniel winning WBC Coach of the Year honours on both occasions.

“I’m looking to build on the great culture that has been put in place by Lori and Murray so really looking forward to stepping in to that opportunity,” said a delighted Robinson.

“I’m really impressed with what has taken place with the Wildcats in the last five years and I’m looking forward to catching up with Lori and picking her brain a little bit. I think the way she and Murray have set up the team in a semi-professional way is an outstanding achievement.

“I know some of the players. I was assistant coach of the Canterbury U19 Women’s team that won the national title in 2014. Laken (Wairau) and Tessa Boagni were in that team. I’ve also coached against players like Shea Crotty in club basketball and then Sapphire Wairau, when she was younger, was in my club team.

“So I know some of the players and I look forward to catching up with them,” added Robinson.

The new Wildcats mentor is also delighted with the new direction of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

“I think the league is going to be really exciting next year with the innovation of the live Wednesday night games on Sky Sport. I think we will have a lot to learn from that.

“I’m also really pleased to hear about the D League which will again help women’s basketball and I believe Canterbury have put in an expression of interest for that. The opportunity to link the Wildcats with a D League team, and maybe North Canterbury and South Canterbury as well, would be another great innovation. I’m looking forward to seeing how that develops.

“It’s good that there is new stuff going on and building the profile of women’s basketball.”

Robinson is anticipating that the nucleus of the 2019 Wildcats team will again be available for the 2020 season.

“That would be a big advantage for me if I can keep some of that experience and leadership. I’m looking forward to talking to the players in the near future.

“I’m keen to get an experienced assistant coach and would also like to find a development coach – in basketball and work I have always been keen on succession planning and development. 

“The way the team is set up we have young development players so if I could extend that to coaching I would be very pleased,” added Robinson.

The 2020 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season is set to commence in May.

 

Nov 12 2018
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College Hoops, Kiwi's Abroad, Womens Basketball

NCAA Div 1 Women Start Strong

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There have been some good performances by Kiwi women in the opening rounds of NCAA Division I college basketball.

2018 Tall Fern Tera Reed led Virginia Commonwealth Rams with 15 points as the Rams proved too good for Longwood winning 84-55. Reed added 5 rebounds in front of a bumper crowd of almost 4,000.

Mary Goulding put in a strong performance for Fordham University Rams in its 58-54 loss at Washington. The Cantabrian forward played all 40 minutes collecting 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kendell Heremaia chipped in with 5 points and Zara Jillings a brace for the Rams.

Also playing 40 minutes was Krystal Leger-Walker for Northern Colorado Bears that were beaten 62-57 by LSU at Baton Ruge. L-W produced 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 dimes for the Bears that slip to 1-2 on the season.

Shalae Salmon had 9 rebounds including four at the offensive end as BYU Cougars edged UC Riverside 72-70 in an exciting overtime win. The Kiwi forward in her junior year at BYU was called on to play 42 minutes as she added 4 points and an assist.

Tegan Graham was in good form for Colgate University. The starting guard led the Raiders scoring with 18 points but it was a second straight loss for Colgate going down 67-58 at Dayton.

Kayla Manuirirangi scored 14 points for Tulane but the Green Wave crashed 62-56 to Texas Southern.

Freshman Amiee Book made a very promising start to her college career. Book scored 15 points (3/4 3PG) as Cal State Fullerton went down 83-74 at Washington.

Aug 10 2018
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WBC, Womens Basketball

Penina Davidson outstanding but Rainbow Wahine too good for Premiere North

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The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine eventually proved too strong for New Zealand International Basketball Tours Premiere North pulling away in the final quarter to win 71-57 at Auckland Boys Grammar School on Thursday.

It was a margin that didn’t do justice to the Premiere team’s effort as they led for a time in the third period and only trailed 49-46 with ten minutes to play.

An understandably stuttering start, given that the Premiere team gathered for the first time on the morning of the game and Hawaii only arrived in the country on Wednesday, was shaded by the visitors 18-12.

The Premiere coaching staff were not afraid to use their youngest talent in unison – all four high school players, Tayla Dalton, Jazz Kailahi-Fulu, Shauna Povey and Sharne Pupuke-Robati were on court together ahead of the Rainbow Wahine taking a 31-22 lead into the locker room.

A good sized crowd got behind the home team as they made a strong start to the second half.

The Premiere team made a conscious effort to get the ball inside to forwards Penina Davidson (22 points and 10 rebounds), Makayla Daysh and Pupuke-Robati (10 points) – a tactic that reaped some benefit as the hosts opened the half with a 10-3 run.

Davidson, ahead of her departure to take up a contract with the Adelaide Lightning in the Australian WNBL, displayed her scoring versatility with a long three to compliment some skillful inside work, the Premiere’s taking the lead after additional good work from Donna Fermanis and Arielle Parai.

As expected from a quality NCAA Division I team the Rainbow Wahine responded and carried a 49-46 advantage into the last quarter.

The Premiere’s effort faded in the final minutes, the University of Hawaii closing out a deserved first-up victory on their four game tour of New Zealand and Australia.

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After a day of relaxation in Auckland on Friday the Rainbow Wahine head to Christchurch for a game against NZ Premiere South – Sunday, 4.30pm start at Cowles Stadium.

Another entertaining game is in prospect with Tessa Boagni headlining the Premiere lineup. The former California State University Northridge forward was outstanding for the Tall Ferns last month during their gold medal winning campaign at the William Jones Cup.

For further information visit the New Zealand International Basketball Tours website http://nzibt.org/

NZ Premiere North 57 – P Davidson 22/10r, S Pupuke-Robati 10, A Parai 6, M Daysh 6, T Dalton 5, K Tini 2/6r, D Fermanis 4, Kailahi-Fulu 1

University of Hawaii 71 – L Salanoa 12, M Woodfolk 11, S Reier 11, C Middap 11

Jun 01 2018
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WBC, Womens Basketball

Double dose of Hawaiian delight

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New Zealand International Basketball Tours (NZIBT) have announced that they are hosting the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team for two games in New Zealand in early August.

NZIBT successfully hosted University of California Golden Bears last year and have once again attracted a top NCAA Division I college to our shores.

The game against Cal attracted over 150,000 on-line viewers in addition to the 1,000 spectators that witnessed the game live at North Shore Events Centre.

The games against the Rainbow Wahine will be played in Auckland and Christchurch. As last year the New Zealand Premier team will be selected from players playing in the Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC).

The fixtures will provide an opportunity for a number of WBC veteran players to appear on the international stage and also showcase young up and coming New Zealand talent.

NZIBT Sports Tour Director Ashley Gayle is thrilled at the prospect of hosting another high quality American college women’s team.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to bring Hawaii University women’s basketball team to New Zealand. We encourage you to support the Kiwi players and watch two great games. More details on the dates and times of games will be available in the near future.

Follow NZIBT here

 

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