One of the preeminent players of her time, Leigh Houston played for the Women’s National team from 1971-1977. A strong track athlete and gymnast, Leigh played her junior basketball in Nelson. With strong fundamentals and a natural athletic ability, she was an excellent all court player and tenacious defender. She captained the 1969 U18 team that attended the Australian State Champs for the first time. This pioneer team boasted a 6-3 record on Aussie soil. Leigh would return to Australia on three further occasions, each time as a member of the senior national team.
Her first senior tour was in 1971 and was deemed the “Mystery Tour” as no written records were circulated although a team photo confirms that three players from the ’69 U18 tour earned selection. They were the talented trio of Betty Kai, Maxine perfect and Leigh H
ouston. Perhaps typical of the time, the team were provided with some clothing for the tour but had to return their playing uniforms and tracksuits which the players had paid a $5 bond for! The 1974 tour included the first Oceania Championship which, played in Melbourne, was lost 3-0 to Australia.
Following the 1974 tour Head Coach John Paul commented on Leigh’s play:
Her consistency was admirable, as she had to contribute in all areas of the game advancing the ball, often against a press, and being required on both backboards while conceding a lot of height.
At 5’10” she was a taller member of the New Zealand team but considerably smaller than a number of the Australian forwards. Leigh Houston excelled again on the 1977 tour despite an injury ravaged team winning just two of 11 games. After winning a national title with Nelson in 1973 she repeated the feat the following year but this time in Otago colours. Leigh earned South Island representation on two occasions and after moving to Wellington, North Island representation five times.
Her citation reads:
She was good at every aspect of the game and one of the best all-around players I’ve coached. Leigh was always able to find a way to contribute to the team’s success. If her scoring wasn’t on, she would work even harder at the other aspects of her game. With a team first attitude she always fitted in without ever needing or seeking the limelight.
