Round 13 of the #McDsTT and #McDsWT saw the playoff picture get considerably clearer, with only one more week of games before we have our champions found.

 

In Division I of the Thompson Trophy, Christchurch Boys’ High won their game against Rangiora 63-52 – assuring them of a semi-final spot. Balance was the name of the game here, with Quinn Clinton unavailable. Jack Ansell (19p), Ben Harris (18p), Cameron Butler (10p 12r), and Jack Lang (10p) helped the CBHS team to the win. Middleton went into their matchup with Burnside knowing they would need a win by eleven or more to give themselves a playoff spot, and with a few minutes to go in the game they did have a small lead. Forced to gamble though, they were unable to build on the lead, and instead saw Burnside take control of the game and win 78-70, instead booking themselves a semi-final spot with CBSH from Pool A. Dan O’Brien (20p 11r 7s) did all he could, with Angus McWIlliam away with the Junior Tall-Blacks, while Jarred Burnett (11p) and Lewis Seo (10p) showed they will be ready to contribute if needed at the Secondary School Premierships at the end of the month.

 

Shirley Boys’ had a resounding win over Papanui 72-47, as all nine of the Spartans available players scored in the game. Bailey Hern (16p 7r) and Eacan Westwood (11p 10r) led the way, and would have been favourites for a playoff spot were it not for a loss to Christ’s College back in Round 11. Cashmere had far too much firepower for Cathedral 110-48, who have struggled somewhat after playing their way up from Division II. Jakob Strong-Van Gestel (19p 12r) and Tom Russ-Hofmans (12p 11r) both grabbed double doubles. While Connor McLaughlin (18p), Jake Beaven (15p 9r) and Mitch Mahon (10p 5a) all scored above double figures. Next week will see Cashmere host Christ’s College, with both teams through to the playoffs, and just seeding to be decided.

 

In the Whelan Trophy, St. Andrew’s had a narrow win over Ashburton 75-69, meaning they will join Christchurch Girls’ in the semi-finals from Pool A, with their seeding decided after next week’s game. Pool B had some very entertaining games, Rangi Ruru grabbed their one seed with a 42-41 win over Rangiora, while Middleton kept their hopes alive with a tight 76-73 win at Burnside. Middleton Grange and Rangiora play on Tuesday to decide which team joins Rangi Ruru in the playoffs.

 

Division II of the Thompson Trophy had their quarter-final round, with all higher seeds progressing through to the next round, where Hillmorton has been waiting after having a bye last round. St. Andrew’s will face Lincoln, while Linwood travels to Hillmorton, as the four teams left alive vie for a spot in the Division II final on Wednesday the 24th of August.

 

Round 13 Results

Thompson Division I:

Shirley 72-47 Papanui

Christ's 86-69 St. Thomas

Burnside 78-70 Middleton

Cashmere 110-48 Cathedral

CBHS 63-52 Rangiora

 

Thompson Division II:

Linwood 84-45 Riccarton

Lincoln 85-42 Ellesmere

St. Andrew's 99-53 Hornby

 

Whelan:

CGHS 68-37 Avonside

St. Margaret's 60-31 Ellesmere

Rangi Ruru 42-41 Rangiora

Middleton 76-73 Burnside

St. Andrew's 75-69 Ashburton

Cashmere 63-40 Lincoln