Tonight is the night! Lincoln University Thomson and Whelan Division One finals are on!!!
Of tonight’s finals we have a new contender in each of the two finals, while the St Andrew’s Girls are looking for a fifth consecutive title.
Whelan Trophy
Thomson Trophy
Unfortunately for Rangiora (last year’s finalist’s), they had to face unbeaten St Andrew’s last week, meaning they’ve missed out on another final. This has however opened the door for Kaiapoi who make their first Whelan final appearance after semifinal appearances the past two years.
Kaiapoi’s coach Josh Shaw says:
“After semi-final appearances in 2022 and 2023, KHS has taken a step up to achieve a school first by qualifying for the Whelan Trophy division 1 final. The team has performed well over the course of the season and is looking to peak at the right time by bringing their best against a deep and well-balanced STAC team.”
Josh notes players to watch are seniors Aliyah Newton, Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams and Kacey McAllister, who have all contributed significantly to the success of KHS basketball over recent years and will be hoping to go out with a bang in their last Whelan Trophy appearance.
St Andrew’s are again coached by Adam Morgan, who has this to say about tonight’s match:
“St. Andrews Senior Girls are looking forward to their match up tonight vs a strong Kaiapoi team. This will be the first time we have faced them at full strength this year. Stac will be without our top shooter and wing Niamh Chamberlain, she is sidelined with a foot injury. We will be relying heavily on our guards and bigs to step up. Ophelia and Rafferty Powell will man the back court with the help of Orla Motley off the bench. The front court will consist of Maniah Taefu, Ella Sharpe and Ava Jones. The six of these girls will do most of the heavy lifting. Our depth is bolstered by our young wing players, Ella Buchanan and Hayley Stowell. The girls are hopeful that the combination of our culture, defense and depth will be enough to get them across the line for another city championship tonight.”
This competition tonight is sure to promise some excitement for a classic Private vs Public school showdown.
Don’t worry though as the Lincoln University Thomson Final provides the same excitement with Christ’s College taking on Rangiora High School.
We have had a good season starting with finishing 2nd at preseason tournament which also gave us a lot to go away and work on.
Newcomer to the final tonight is Rangiora, where coach Mike Barrett had this to say:
“We have been getting better and better every week putting a big focus on the defensive end especially coming off a 60 point loss to Christ college when we last met that really was a turning point for us as we realised we had to focus in more on the details. Overall the season has been building for us nicely only having had 2 losses.
Our team is very well rounded with quick guards that can get to the hoop and big men who can step outside and knock down the 3 ball.
We are very much looking for redemption on our last game but also know Christ College are the team that set the standard.”
And no stranger to a Thomson final, Christ’s College return looking to claim the sliverware this season after going down 79-94 against St Thomas last year. However, they held three consecutive titles before this, and will take the Dowson Cup with them into regular season next year.
Christ’s College’s Teacher in charge of Basketball, Travis Dixon mentions that
“Christ’s are looking forward to a fierce battle between the #1 and #2 seeded teams. They are pleased with the progress all players on the team have made this season, especially defensively. With that in mind, watch out for big impact off the bench as well, as all players on this Christ’s College team can contribute.”
Don’t forget that these games are live streamed via the Lincoln University Thomson and Whelan Facebook page.
Hot Chips and soft drink will also be available for purchase (eftpos or cash, no paywave).
