AIMS Games: Siblings' experience comes in handy

Kelsey (left), Potiki and Madi Stringer are siblings involved in the 2015 AIMS Games basketball tournament, Kelsey and Madi as coaches and referees and Potiki as a player. Photo / John Borren

Having only moved back to New Zealand 18 months ago, 17-year-old twins Kelsey and Madi Stringer never got to compete at the AIMS Games.

But that hasn't stopped them getting involved.

The basketballers are part of the refereeing pool at the ASB Arena where the basketball is being played this week, and each is coaching one of the Tauranga Intermediate School teams. Kelsey is the girls' team coach and Madi has taken charge of the boys' invitation team that includes their younger brother Potiki. The twins have coached other teams and refereed at last year's AIMS Games, but are coaching AIMS Games teams for the first time.

"You get to get more involved with the players," said Madi.

When a spot opened in the draw to allow the invitation team to enter, Madi offered to be the coach - but he didn't have much time to prepare.

"I've only known them a week. They got beaten in their first two games, but they were only getting used to knowing each other."

They got their win in their third game - beating Ashbrook School 43-22.

"They have done really well for a team that's only been together for five days."

Potiki is the invitation team captain, but Madi was quick to point out it was the players' choice. "I didn't pick the captain - the team voted him."

Potiki is in Year 7 and said he is enjoying playing and the atmosphere of the tournament. He has already set his sights on the premier Tauranga Intermediate School team at next year's games.

Kelsey and Madi wanted to be more involved in this year's basketball tournament to share their knowledge and help younger players.

All three are Tauranga City representatives. Madi and Kelsey went to the under-17 nationals last year as team captains, and the under-19 nationals this year from where they were both chosen for the New Zealand under-18 development squad that visited in Australia. "(The squad) is full of talent," said Madi. "You have to fight for your spot, that's for sure."

Potiki is in his first full year of playing basketball and is in the Tauranga City under-13 boys' B team.

The family is originally from Manurewa, but moved to the Bay of Plenty after returning to New Zealand from Melbourne. Kelsey said the siblings wanted to thank their parents for guiding them, and their sister, Rachel Gwerder, who had coached them.