U16s finish pool play at Aussie Junior Champs - playoffs next

Last night the Aon New Zealand Under 16 boys team finished pool play with a strong victory over ACT, 82 to 54, which cemented their second place amongst the seven teams in Pool B of the Australia Junior Championships in Perth.

Assistant Coach Morgan Maskell said the coaching staff is happy with the teams five wins and one loss in their pool, in what is Australias biggest and best junior basketball tournament.

"A collective team effort has led to great ball movement and open shots. The boys have executed the game plans very well, and played an open an expansive game. We have a quarter final next, which the boys are prepared and confident for," Said Coach Maskell.

The young Kiwis have had a standout tournament with some players amongst the top performers. Reihana Topia leads the tournament for rebounds with an average of 10.8, Mac Stodart isnt far behind with 9. Ezrah Vaigafa is second in the tournament for assists (6.6), Harrison pain is third for free throws (80.9%), while Samuel Jenkins sits fourth for total three pointers made (15).

The Aon New Zealand Under 16 Girls were unlucky to go down to South Australia Metro, 69 to 75, in a game that went into overtime overnight.

SA Metro were a team with more size and Assistant Coach Justine Reed said the New Zealand team changed their starting five in attempt to match the Aussies physicality.

"It worked well and meant we had strong substitutions, and were able to stay with SA throughout the game with 16 lead changes," said Coach Reed.

Emilia Shearer had a fantastic performance with 21 points and 9 Rebounds, which was the result of making key decisions on offence that kept the Kiwis in the game. She has been a stand out player during pool play and will surely play an important role in the play-off rounds. Waiata Jennings also stepped up with 11 points and 6 assists. Other notable contributions came from Dominique Stephens (11points), Jess Moors (8 points/ 10 Rebounds) and Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu (4 points/10 Rebounds).

With three wins and three losses, the Under 16 girls team finished fourth in Pool B. They are set to face Victoria Metro who finished first in Pool A.

"It will be a tough game as they are a very polished team," said Coach Reed. "They move the ball and execute their offence well. We will need to put pressure on them and try to disrupt their rhythm. We will have a height advantage, so we have to find ways to utilise that. Again the focus will be on defensive intensity and better decision making on offence."

Results from New Zealand Under 16 Girls Pool Games: Lost to NSW Metro Girls (42 to 68). Lost to Victoria Country Girls (65 to 66). Win over WA Country Girls (91 to 58), Win over QLD North Girls (66 to 50). Win over Northern Territory (79 to 49). Lost to SA Metro (69 to 75).

Results from New Zealand Under 16 Boys Pool Games: Win over Victoria Country (89 to 65). Win over NSW Country (84 to 54). Win over WA Country (93 to 63). Win over Queensland North (87 to 84). Lost to SA Metro Boys (65 to 83). Win over ACT (82 to 54).

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