Boys’ High Senior B team triumph

SECONDARY SCHOOL CHAMPS: The Gisborne Boys’ High School Senior B team won the secondary schools division final against Campion Juniors this week. Boys’ High Senior B are, standing (from left): Kobe Kururangi, Kapreece Clay, Karta Paea, Sean Molloy, Cameron Selby, Akura Smith, Joel Akuhata-Brown and Hamua Broughton. Kneeling: Mason Koia, Levi Harris and Tiaki Harris. Picture supplied

Is there a happier crew in the GBA?

The Gisborne Boys’ High School Senior B team thrived this season under David Glendenning, and his players would have long remembered their 15-week journey, even if they hadn’t become champions. But they did.

They won a pulsating Gisborne Basketball Association secondary schools division final against the talented Campion College Juniors 62-50 at the John McFarlane Memorial Sports Centre.

They were up 16-13 at the end of the first period, kept their heads above water 32-29 at the break and had drawn away from Campion 50-41 by three-quartertime.

Joel Akuhata-Brown topped the Boys’ High scoring list with 14 points, his teammates Levi Julies (10pts), Karta Paea and Hamua Broughton (both 8pts) also making invaluable contributions.

Campion’s Allies Rangihuna (15pts) led all scorers in the final. He, Felix Sparks (12pts) and Keanu Reedy (11pts) were good value for the college every Monday night, and never stopped running in the final.

Coach Glendenning found working with his Senior B crew to be a great experience.

“They were a great bunch, all good mates who met at the courts every lunchtime to play ball,” the former Rising Suns guard said.

“At one stage, we had 18 boys, so the idea was to create a simple defence and an ‘if you’re open, shoot it’ offence.

“I told them to just go out there and have fun.”

GBHS Senior B 62 (Joel Akuhata-Brown 14, Levi Harris 10, Karta Paea 8, Hamua Broughton 8) Campion Juniors 50 (Allies Rangihuna 15, Felix Sparks 12, Keanu Reedy 11) - Q1 GBHS 16-13, HT 32-29, Q3 50-41.

Some drawn games leave the participants feeling empty. But some send people home pleased with what is held to be a fair result for both teams.

Such was the case with the Bibs and Hustlers, who drew 52-all in overtime of the men’s Open B Grade club final at the John McFarlane Memorial Sports Centre.

The Kaea Swann-led Hustlers controlled the first quarter 16-11 before The Bibs sneaked up to lead 23-22 at halftime. They held a 38-36 advantage going into the fourth period and the teams were 46-all at the end of regulation time.

Swann was positive about the competition and the event.

“That was an awesome game and the perfect way to end a season during which both teams had a win against each other,” the Hustlers captain said.

“Even though it was competitive on the court once the whistle blew, it was all smiles and cheering. Our players made great progress, especially given the fact that we had a few players new to the sport. We can’t wait to run both ends of the floor again next year.”