Basketball: Improving North Suns rise to occasion

Milestone Homes Northland Suns have boosted their standing in the Intercity Competition by winning back-to-back games, beating the Auckland Rivets 85-72 on Saturday.

The result takes the team to two wins and two losses and marks the first time the Northland team have won more than one game during the season.

Suns board member Edwin Popham said the result went a long way to justifying the hard work involved in getting the largely Auckland-based competition to accept the Northland side.

"Our Northland players are improving their standard of play as they become more accustomed to the high level of competition.

"The instruction they receive from our senior players and the coaches is being applied by the more inexperienced team members, and is responsible for improving performance overall."

The team has gelled since experienced players BJ Anthony and Raymond Cameron joined. Young players like Harlyn Clunie, Trey Fong and Justin Friedrich continue to grow under their tutelage and played significant minutes on Saturday.

Kaitaia-based brothers Atama and Arahi O'Donnell continued their good play. Niasi Malua and Warrick Siddall were strong inside as usual, Malua causing havoc in the paint and Siddall blocking shots.

Shooting guard Travis Mcilroy proved how important the current climate is at the club. He had to have oral surgery after an accident earlier in the week but was determined to play, and was in the starting five on Saturday.