Too-hard basket not an option

Representing Gisborne: Ollie Tong (99) stands with his team, the Setting Suns, after winning their open men's basketball competition this year. Tong has been selected to compete in the under-13's national basketball tournament which starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday. He will play as part of the ‘A Team' during the competition. Picture supplied

The pandemic made many doubt that the days of national and even regional sporting tournaments would return.

But for every sporting body or administrator looking to cancel an event at the first suggestion of pause, there is one who will go the extra mile, one for whom there's no such thing as the too-hard basket.

Such a one is the Gisborne Basketball Association, whose players, coaches and administrators are now ready to let rip at the Aon Central Regional under-13 tournament in Hawke's Bay.

The tourney starts tomorrow and finishes on Saturday. It will be hosted by Basketball Hawke's Bay at Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale and the Hastings Sports Centre.

The six GBA teams will compete under experienced, quality coaches such as Thomas Tindale and the knowledgeable Reggie Namana, a Rising Suns legend.

The Gisborne boys' A team will compete in Pool A of the A Grade, the boys' B team are in Pool B of the B Grade, and the boys' Kaha and Toa teams are in the C Grade.

The u13 girls' A and B teams will play in the A and B grades respectively, with the opening tip at 9am tomorrow. Each team will play two games on Day 1.

Age-group teams and programmes have missed full tournament play.

GBA chairwoman Kylie Turuwhenua-Tapsell knows the general mood.

“This is the first Basketball New Zealand under-13 regional tournament for two years, so to say our youth are excited is an understatement,” she said.

“For many this will be their first time playing teams outside our region. We're pleased to be able to attend an event that will grow players at all stages.

“Our competitive teams have been training for more than a year, our development teams since February this year.”

Toa guard Ollie Tong starred in the mens' open grade final for 2022 champions the Setting Suns.

“We're super-excited to be playing ball for a week,” he said.

“Our goal is to medal up.”

GBA teams win hard, lose hard, but don't bow to anybody.

Gisborne u13 boys —

A team: Eruera Morrell-Baker, Giovahni Smith-Green, Jackson-Renata Robin-Smith, Kelly-Morehu Paenga-Rangihuna, Micah Tapsell, Reia Paenga-Morgan, Wirihana Papuni-Hohepa, Ollie Tong, Anakin Ormsby-Cairns,Isileli Taliiauli.

B team: Aiziah Craft-Chemis, Auric Pocock, Jeremiah Koti-Ngamotu, Kauri Kennedy, Max Hammond, Nate Papuni, Rihai Harris, Shae Abbot-Raggett, Taniora Waitai, Wharetaimana Nepia.

Kaha: Khazidy Matenga-Bishop, Kiki Wilson, Kingston Johnson, Krylan Hihi-Edmonds, Owen Raines, Ryland Bright, Sean Mulligan, Taika Cleland-Pottie, Tiaki-Lee Henare.

Toa: Carlo Hoepo, Devan Takarangi-Chan, Jethro Morris, Josh Leighton, Luca Tong, Mack Takarangi, Maui Katene, Mehaka Pohatu-Chaffey, Taimanaaki Gear.

GISBORNE U13 GIRLS —

A TEAM: Areeza Skudder-Weir, Bentley Morice-Munro, Indie Nikora, Kayla Namana, Kiara Namana, Licha-Rae Smith, Maioha Leach, Natalie Tarei, Te Huinga Karauria.

B TEAM: Brooklyn Blazey, Calla Boyd, Cassidy Clarke, Kelarne Te Rangi, Matariki Gan Lazarus, Pyper August, Quaylahn Casey, Quenella Hautapu, Te Ataahua Marsh, Te Rauhuia Reeves.