Boys’ High boilover

Top scorer: Gisborne Boys’ High School’s captain Sebastian Wilson finding height as he attempts a shot during the 2021 Mel Young tournament held in Tauranga. Wilson was a high-flyer last night against defending champions Green Up scoring 29 points with Boys’ High winning the game 79-67. Picture by Darryl Crawford

A shock wave hit the YMCA in Round 4.

In the biggest result of all three club basketball leagues to date, the Gisborne Boys' High School Senior Premiers under Keenan Ruru-Poharama beat defending champions Green Up 79-67.

Boys' High captain Sebastian Wilson and his opposite, Green Up skipper Tyrese Tuwairua-Brown, put up 29 and 25 points, respectively, to lead all scorers across Gisborne Basketball Association men's premier, open and women's competition in spectacular fashion.

Wilson opened the scoring and dominated the late game with four three-point shots, three-point plays, three high-rise blocked shots and a tip-jam on a put-back for 58-55.

His teammates Ngaru Grayson (16) and Nuku Patea-Taylor (12) were also outstanding.

Confirmation that the clash might touch the heights came when, with 6.9 seconds to play in the first period, Green Up big man Adam Nepe — locked on the right sideline in the front-court at the time — sank a 30-foot shot, only for GBHS forward William Collier (8pts) to sink a 35-footer from near the scorers' table to beat the quartertime buzzer.

Green Up then led 19-15 and 41-35 at halftime. GBHS were 61-57 in front heading down the home stretch in a game of innumerable superb plays.

Paddy Blackman (17pts) rose to the occasion for Green Up with his physical presence and inside game. His outside game extended to nailing a 25-footer from the left wing over Wilson's outstretched right hand for 13-10.

Grayson, Patea-Taylor, Collier and Seth Miller took another step forward in the game last night a week on from their Super 8 tourney win against Hastings. Ruru-Poharama's crew have gained in confidence.

Tuwairua-Brown, at his best, is capable of penetrating the league's best defences and he did so repeatedly in last night's boilover. To the end, he menaced GBHS with his shooting touch and sheer class. Weighn Wilson played excellent minutes for Green Up also, his quick hands on defence and speed up and down the floor remind longtime observers of outstanding Ritana Bulls guard Chad Rose. Rose, Billy Maxwell and others of that generation continue to enjoy and contribute to hoops at Gisborne Boys' High School's John McFarlane Memorial Sports Centre on Friday nights.

Wilson, who is rarely satisfied with either his own or his team's performance, allowed himself and his cobbers this: “Will rebounded really well — and we shot the ball well too — but our defence won that game for us. Kiwa Ria-Renata-Kokiri, Qkylau Leach and Ziya Swann played great D for us.”