Twenty teams in local club competition

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

BASKETBALL by Ben O’Brien-Leaf

GISBORNE basketball this year has the biggest league it’s ever had.

Twelve men’s teams line up this evening for Gisborne Basketball Association’s club league opening night and the start of a 12-week regular season, semifinals and grand final quest.

The men’s league will be played at both the YMCA and the John McFarlane Memorial Sports Centre, from 5.45pm in 10-minute quarters, with a two-minute overtime period.

GBA chairman Dwayne Tamatea, who played for grand finalists ACC in the 11-team league of 1998, is pleased to see big numbers turn out.

“With eight teams in the women’s league, which starts tomorrow, we have 20 teams involved,” he said.

“That’s good for the community, keeping people active and giving kids a break from their electronics. That equals good teammates and better citizens.”

Games at the YMCA this evening, under marshal Catherine Kepa will be —

5.45pm: The Young and the Useless v SE Systems.

6.45pm: Uawa v The Filthy Dozen.

7.45pm: City Lights v East Coast.

Games at Gisborne Boys’ High School, with Tamatea as marshal —

5.45pm: GBHS Red v Campion College.

6.45pm: GBHS Black v Lytton High School.

7.45pm: Dragons v High Flyers.