Men and Women claim gold
The Canterbury U20 Men and U20 Women have both claimed national titles at the 2026 Foot Locker U20 National Tournament in Porirua.
The championships continue a period of sustained success for Canterbury Basketball, with both teams producing outstanding performances throughout the week against the country’s best young talent.
The Women’s team delivered an impressive display in the Grand Final, defeating Harbour 80-61 following a loss to Harbour in pool play. Canterbury established control early and never looked back, leading by 23 points at halftime before cruising to victory behind a balanced team performance.
Tournament MVP Ava Jones led the way with 16 points and 8 rebounds in the final, while Rafferty Powell added 17 points. Anika Shaw and Niamh Chamberlain chipped in 12 points apiece as Canterbury’s relentless defence and unselfish offence proved too much for Harbour.
Captain Anika Shaw controlled the pace of the game whilst youngster Emilia Ainley controlled the paint.
The Men’s side faced a stern challenge in their championship game against Waitākere West but responded in style, claiming a 105-90 victory.
After a back-and-forth opening half, Canterbury steadily built control before unleashing a decisive 17-0 run late in the fourth quarter to put the game beyond doubt. Tournament MVP Mana Martin finished the game shooting 7 from 21 with 23 points and 8 assists, Jake Holmes added 22 points and 10 rebounds with an impressive +/- of 32, while captain Ihaka Cate finished with 18 points in a fitting conclusion to another successful campaign.
Toby Langrell was a standout defensively, locking up Hayden Jones in the critical semi final which was capped by a game winning buzzer beater by eventual MVP Mana Martin.
Canterbury’s success extended beyond the team trophies, with Mana Martin being named Men’s Tournament MVP and captain Ihaka Cate selected in the Men’s All-Star Five. On the Women’s side, Ava Jones claimed Tournament MVP honours, while Rafferty Powell was selected in the Women’s All-Star Five.
Congratulations to our players, coaches, managers, families, supporters and wider basketball community who contributed to these outstanding achievements.
Players
#4 Gus Dallow
#5 Alex Stevens
#6 Milan Newton
#7 Toby Langrell
#8 Mana Martin
#9 Real Wheaton
#10 Jack Yagmich
#11 Ihaka Cate (Captain)
#12 Tommy Read
#14 Jake Holmes
Head Coach: Jayden Cameron
Assistant Coach: Tom Manley
Manager: Megan Nicholl
Players
#4 Anika Shaw (Captain)
#5 Eva Jeffries
#6 Ophelia Powell
#7 Rafferty Powell
#8 Niamh Chamberlain
#9 Sara Buckley
#10 Hannah Toli
#11 Ava Jones
#13 Harper McDonald
#14 Emilia Ainley
#15 Yasmin Larry
Head Coach: Dave Ermerins
Assistant Coach: Karereatua Williams
Manager: Liz Righton
