School Holiday basketball action took place last week at the Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in the Capital. The Foot Locker U18 Nationals were a tough event, showcasing talent from all over the country. Waikato proved too strong for Tauranga, claiming another National Championship to add to their collection, while Nelson went back to back after beating Manawatū to earn their second U18 title in two years.
And with Foot Locker on board as Naming Rights Partner, there was a positive vibe on and off the court from everyone in attendance; Foot Locker providing extra value with daily half-court shot competitions and the popular Defensive Player of the Tournament awards handed out – Theresa Biladi and Lachy Crate receiving $200 Foot Locker vouchers for their defensive efforts.
Let’s check out a recap of the Boys and Girls Finals, as well as the tournament award winners:
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Girls Grand Final: Tauranga 84 – 92 Waikato
Waikato managed to get past Tauranga in a nail-biter of a final, winning 92-84. It was a close one the whole way through, with neither team ever really pulling away. The biggest lead was only nine points which happened in the fourth quarter.
Waikato’s offense was on fire, led by Eva Jeffries who dropped a massive 25 points. Keija Miringaorangi and Theresa Biladi weren’t far behind, chipping in with 23 points each.
Tauranga did well from the free-throw line, sinking an impressive 82%, but they just couldn’t quite find their rhythm shooting from the field overall, finishing at just 45%. Emma Rogers top-scored for Tauranga with a huge 47 points and clocking all 40 minutes.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/metqd
Tournament Awards – Girls
MVP – Emma Rogers, Tauranga
Foot Locker Defensive Player of the Tournament – Theresa Biladi, Waikato
All-Star Five:
Eva Jeffries – Waikato
Ophelia Powell – Canterbury
Asha Young – Wellington
Keija Miringaorangi – Waikato
Emma Rogers – Tauranga
Boys Grand Final: Nelson 112 – 66 Manawatū
Nelson overpowered Manawatū 112-66 to claim the 2024 Foot Locker U18 Nationals Boys Championship Title. It was a dominant performance from Nelson, who never really looked back after establishing a big lead early on.
Nelson’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, led by Hayden Jones, who poured in a game-high 33 points. The Nelson big men were a force down low, racking up a whopping 66 points in the paint compared to Manawatū’s 34.
Manawatū just couldn’t get their offense going throughout the game. They struggled from the field overall, finishing at just 29%. Gift Niyonzima top-scored for Manawatū with 17 points, but they lacked the scoring depth to compete with a hot Nelson team.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/68sto
Tournament Awards – Boys
MVP – Hayden Jones, Nelson
Foot Locker Defensive Player of the Tournament – Lachy Crate, Manawatū
All-Star Five:
Jake Holmes – Canterbury
Dov Silberstein – Manawatū
James Matthews – Nelson
Lachy Crate – Manawatū
Hayden Jones – Nelson
