Pace fast in women’s game

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

That was a workout.

Ngati Porou Nation won a frenetic match against Revolution Fitness New Zealand, 46-37, in Week 5 of the Gisborne Basketball Association women’s league at the YMCA on Tuesday night.

In other games, the Petra Sparks-led Campion College beat Gisborne Girls’ High School 51-41, Rebels beat Paikea 40-24 and Lytton swamped Uawa with energy and defensive hustle to win 74-15.

“Playing RFNZ is different from playing any other team in the league,” Ngati Porou captain Bronya McMenamin said. (18 points).

“They’re fast, physical and play with real intensity. Beyond that, they’re very skilful.”

RFNZ led 10-9 early on. Ngati Porou steeled up in defence and had a 22-14 advantage at the break. RFNZ then reduced the deficit to three points — 31-28 — by three-quartertime.

McMenamin scored 18 points, as did Ngati Porou forward Tiara Weir, who made a three-point shot and a three-point play. She has played incredible basketball so far in 2018.

Alyse Stewart (7pts) and Lisa Basford (6pts) were among RFNZ’s best. While no RFNZ team member scored more than seven points, their teamwork and the tempo at which they play make it hard to cover them.

Campion College skipper Petra Sparks — like McMenamin and Weir in Game 4 — scored 18 points and led her in-form crew by example in the opening game of Week 5.

“Everyone’s improving,” she said.

“We’re strong defensively and able to react quickly to opposition turnovers and finish the fast-break.”

Campion held the lead 16-10, 32-19 and 40-31 through the quarters.

Although Girls’ High hustled defensively and are gaining court sense, their opposition have been a tightly knit unit for more than three years. And they play that way. Peyton Riri was the standout player for Gisborne Girls’ High with 17 points.