Nelson Sparks have taken out the 2012 women's basketball championship, trouncing Waitakere West Auckland 61-40 in the final at Dunedin today.
Last year's runners-up maintained their unbeaten record through the playoffs tournament, taking the initiative with a nine-point run in the opening quarter and never looking back. They had a 17-point lead at halftime and their advantage never fell below 14 over the final 20 minutes.
In a line-up filled with experienced performers, Nelson were led by youngsters Jess Bygate (10 points/12 rebounds) and Shannon Perrett (11 points), supported by the balanced scoring of Jodi Hikuroa, Lisa Book and Jane Gowans (eight points each).
The Sparks dominated the boards, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds and outscoring their rivals 20-8 in the paint. Defensively, they held the Rangers to just 20 per cent shooting from the field, blocking six shots in the process - five by veteran centre Nicky Rampton.
Only Junior Tall Ferns forward Penina Davidson offered any answer for debutants Waitakere, scoring 15 points.
Defending champions Otago defeated previous champions Harbour 54-49, while Waikato Wizards took out the plate final, overrunning Canterbury Wildcats 68-46.
