The local basketball season has officially started, and we have had several stand-out performances in the first week.
Sam Watkins from Watties Window recaps week one of the Miles Toyota Women’s Premier where league debuts, milestone wins, and individual dominance highlight this week’s roundup.
In our game of the week, Lincoln University finally ticked off the one thing missing from their resume, a 65–56 win against Checkers. The back-back champions have won the last 6 encounters between the two teams, dating back to their inaugural season in 2022. It looked early on that the same outcome would be inflicted on the Rams, as Checkers lived on a heavy dose of points in the paint accompanied by some hot outside shooting. Newcomer Hana Lacey (23 points/10 rebounds) did her best to keep LU afloat and within striking distance but the first half belonged firmly to Checkers.
After having a 5-point deficit going into the break, the Rams were able to tighten the screws in the second half and once the points and the paint dried up, so did any other offensive production. Empty possessions and turnovers allowed LU back into the game and into the lead by the end of the third quarter. Mainland Pouākai duo Tsubasa Nisbit (13 points/14 rebounds) and Kavanah Lene (10 points/12 rebounds) did their best to keep the pressure on but struggled to get into any real flow due to foul trouble.
An undermanned North Canterbury started their 2024 season with a 68–54 victory over Atami, also missing some more experienced players. In a back-and-forth affair, a 10–2 run towards the end of the first half gave NC some breathing room. Former NC player Ashlee Johnston seemed determined to get her first win in as many games since her exit with a team-high 17 points, but a game-high 35 points from experienced Tall Fern Esra McGoldrick was too much to overcome.
Round 1 was capped off with the University of Canterbury beating Halswell 73–45. The Falcons took the lead with the first possession and held on to it for the remainder of the game. Second-year player Laura Jackson led all scorers with a game-high 30 points, making a living at the free throw line complimented by outside shooting that UC will hope to see more of as the season progresses.
9am Checkers v Halswell
10.35am Atami vs Lincoln University
12.10pm University of Canterbury vs North Canterbury (Game of the Week)
