Riley Lewis top-scored with 14 points. Newcomer Te Raukura Tangohau made her debut, getting three steals and hitting a jump shot in the fourth quarter.
The second game was against rivals Te Arawa (Rotorua), who in recent tournaments have beaten the girls. But the Turanga Wolfpack were determined to overcome a strong Te Arawa team performance.
Co-captains Kohine Aupouri and Lewis top-scored with six points each in a hard-fought 18-10 victory. They had scoring support from Trieste Wilson and Saige Brown.
In the final pool game, the Wolfpack dominated Ngati Toarangatira (Toa) from Wellington through playing aggressive defence and forcing turnovers that turned into points, and won 32-8.
With a 22-6 lead at halftime, the coaches gave more playing time to the younger members of the team. Kiara Namana, Natalie Tarei, Kobe Brown, Te Raukura Tangohau and Lewis started the second half and the team held Toa to two points for the final 20 minutes.
The semifinal was a nail-biter against Mauao (Tauranga), with all the girls contributing to the best overall performance of the tournament.
Lewis led the scoring with full-court lay-ups and three-pointers. Aupouri dominated the rebounds at both ends and Trieste Wilson had some steals.
Both Namana sisters, Kayla (a blow to the mouth) and Kiara (sprained ankle), were injured but their grit inspired the team to finish strong for a 19-13 win.
Finalists Muaupoko (Horowhenua) beat the girls two years ago, forcing them to finish with the bronze medal.
Muaupoko looked the goods again, leading 12-8 at halftime. The Wolfpack showed character as they battled for every loose ball and attacked the hoop.
Saige Brown secured rebounds and the Wolfpack got six quick points. Kiara Namana then drove to the basket for a lay-up, giving the team a comfortable lead going into the final quarter.
But Horowhenua fought back, cutting the margin to two points. Riley Lewis and Saige Brown hit free-throws under pressure, giving the Turanga Wolfpack the win and the national title.
