Teams motivated for season’s business end

HUSTLE: Gisborne Boys’ High School Wolf-pack’s Finn Vette (left) and Lytton’s Ryan Anderson contest possession. Tonight at the YMCA, the Wolf-pack play Campion College and Lytton play Old Surfers.Picture by Paul Rickard

BASKETBALL

IT’S getting near crunch-time in the Gisborne club basketball men’s B grade and Campion College want to move the ball against Gisborne Boys’ High School Wolfpack in their semifinal tonight.

“It’s the business end of the season but while we’ve beaten these guys twice, we’re not counting any team out — all teams are a threat,” Campion’s Shane McClutchie said.

“We’re looking to move the ball hard and fast.”

Campion certainly have the personnel to do that.

Orlando Pedraza is strong taking the ball to the hoop.

Forward Nelson Brown scored 16 points for Campion in their 57-31 quarterfinal victory over Old Surfers but the Pack’s Finn Vette (16) and Oscar Ruston (14) were good value in their 51-41 win against Boys’ High Blue.

Ruston is an all-round sportsman with the athletic ability and physical presence to compete for rebounds at both ends of the court.

Brown and Paora Brooking will give Campion an edge in size, unless former Rising Suns power forward Ray Noble, player-coach for the Wolfpack, takes to the court.

Boys’ High Blue are first up in the semifinals at the YMCA against Gizzy Gilas at 5.45pm.

Game 2 pits the Stirling Sports Old Surfers against Lytton High School at 6.45pm.

And the Wolfpack clash with Campion at 7.45pm.

Boys’ High Blue were able to stay with the Wolfpack in their last outing, largely due to scoring balance: Luka Russell and Paku Wilson both scored eight points.

The talented duo will need to bring that effort and more against the Gilas.

Frank Russell, who has resurrected Old Surfers after a 20-year break, still has passion for basketball.

“Our defence has been good,” he said.

“We’ve missed Mark Atkins’ scoring in the last two weeks but full credit to Campion on their quarterfinal performance. They’re one of Campion’s best teams ever.

“Seb Wilson was our player of the match: he is young, fearless and isn’t afraid to drive up Bloody Nose Alley.”

Lytton will still be on a high after their 49-47 golden-point win over the Gilas last week.

Darius Waititi-Leach was superb in scoring 23 points for his school.