Aon NZ U16 boys fall at semi-final, while U16 girls win over WA Metro

The Aon New Zealand Under 16 boys have lost to Queensland South in a close fought semi-final at the Australia Junior Championships in Perth.

After coming out hot, the New Zealanders were unable to get stops late in the first quarter which narrowed the lead. An even second quarter where neither team could stop each other saw New Zealand with a 51 to 43 halftime lead.

During the second half, the Kiwis struggled to finish defensive possessions as Queensland South played outstanding basketball, chalking 87 points. Offensively, New Zealand continued to move the ball efficiently and play great team basketball. Reihana Maxwell-Topia stood out for his exceptional effort, heart and hustle. The team got it back to 6 points with 1 minute left, but it wasn't enough as QLD South converted from the free throw line.

Vic Metro is the opponent in the third/fourth playoff game. Their efficiency and depth is a real plus for them and Assistant Coach Morgan Maskell says the boys are looking forward to finishing the tournament in strong form.

For the Aon New Zealand Under 16 girls team, they won against Western Australia Metro (WA), 78 to 57.

WA got off to a strong start with a 6-0 lead. The Kiwis fought back and were able to tie it up. WA went on another run to lead 24-17 at end of the first. During this period, Head Coach Natalie Visger to make substitutions as New Zealand struggled to defend, drawing a flurry of fouls.

The introduction of a 1-2-2 press and some great play from Waiata Jennings, who scored 10 points in the second quarter, were key in the Kiwis tying the game with under a minute left in the game.

An unfortunate head clash, with 16 secs left in the half, between a New Zealand player and WA player lead to a 20 min game delay. It became particularly scary as the WA player collapsed and needed an ambulance. Understandably this unsettled the WA team and didnt return to the court with the same fire. The Kiwis scored 21 points in third and 19 in the fourth quarter.

Notebale mentions go to Waiata Jennings who kept the Kiwis in the game early, scoring 16 of her 18 points in the first half. She had a double double with 11 assists, plus a bonus 6 steals. In the second half, Caitlin O'Connell stepped up in the second half scoring 13 points. Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu (12 pts/10 Rebs) and Jessica Moors were outstanding on the boards with 9 rebounds and 6 points.

Assistant Coach Justine Reed says the team are now looking to finish the tournament strong note against NSW Country.

"They have good size and are another team that moves the ball well. We will have to concentrate on effective defensive positioning. Our strength is in our ability to play a full court game, so we will utilise this to our advantage."

For more information on the Australia Junior Championships go here: http://basketball.net.au/championships/u16s-australian-junior-championship/

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand