Day 3 and the final day of the 29^th SIPT did not disappoint. We had 8 games decided by less than 5 points including 1 over time game. Some of the best games of basketball by yr 7/8s in the last few years were witnessed across the venues.

 

The boys 5/6 A grade was easily won by a dominant Horomaka Thunder over feisty Pioneer who competed all the way through to the final buzzer. A great moment after the well played game when both teams grabbed a photo together. The NC Lions and Marlborough competed in a great 3^rd and 4^th game where everyone had some fun in the final game on the tournament for them.

 

The boys 5/6 development round robin concluded with the 8am rounds and Horomaka Youngbucks finishing on top. We will be looking out for the Horomaka teams making an impact in the yr 7/8 grades next year after both teams were dominant in the yr 5/6 competitions. The Cowles and Wairakei Wolves both had games against the yr 5/6 girls teams – NC Lynx and Pioneer. From all accounts both boys teams were given a good run and were initially surprised about how physical the girls were.

 

The yr 7/8 boys development grade final was an all time classic. The dominant NC Siberian Tigers were under the pump and down by 10 at one point in the 4^th quarter but pulled it back and pushed the game to over-time where they prevailed over the NC Cheetahs by 4. In the 3^rd and 4^th playoff the Pioneer boys just got over the line against the NC Jaguars by 3 in another intense affair. The close proximity of the the crowd at New Life creates for a unique atmosphere.

 

The yr 7/8 girls development featured a change of fortunes for the NC Panthers, winning the one that matter over the NC Pumas. After loosing by 7 in pool play, to win 23 is quite the turn around. The Elsie McRobb and Lauren Whittaker coached Panthers brought the heat and intensity for the entire game, which wasn’t surprising to anyone, when watching the girls on court themselves.

 

The NC Wildcats in pursuit of 4 championships in a row, got the fright of their life during the final against Cobham. After easily dispatching them in pool play, Cobham came out dominate in the final. Using their length to their advantage the control the paint and were scoring at ease, while the NC girls couldn’t buy a bucket. In a very scrappy and physical game, the NC girls started to claw their way back in to the match after half time eventually taking the lead late in to the 4^th quarter. Some tense moments occurred as the NC girls decided to give Cobham multiple chances to win it late by poor shot selection and defensive rebounding, but they scrapped through 47 – 42. Tournament MVP Grace Tull was a key spark in NC turning the game around her physicality on defence helped spark the run, and he lack of fear driving in to the paint against the tall timber of Cobham.

 

The highly anticipated boys final between NC Tarheels and Eastside Scorpions held up to its billing. The back and forth game was played in front of packed house at Ohoka, and the fans were right in to the match the whole way. The home crowd advantage for the NC Tarheels was immense with 14 team’s worth of players behind them. However, the Eastside crowd was not to be out done. The boys were going back and forth in transition, and draining 3s throughout the game, especially Troy Cutbush from NC. Kobe Costley was controlling the game for Eastside with savvy point guard play. Toa Harimate – Parata used his length and athleticism to dominate the glass and drove to the paint at will, earning himself tournament MVP, as NC hung on for an epic 2 point victory, 55-53.

 

The referees this weekend were outstanding, many of them refereeing in their first tournament. Special mention to Carol Bathurst for organizing them all.

 

Thanks to all those supporters who travelled far and wide to catch the action over the weekend. The tournament was a great success for all involved and we look forward to seeing the players, coaches and referees back again next year for the 30^th edition of the SIPT.

Tournament All Star 5: Grace Tull (MVP), Melodie Tarawa (NC), Rafferty Powell (NC), Jess Jennings (Cobham), Joanna Macaskill (Cobham)

Tournament All Star 5: Toa Harimate – Parata (MVP), Troy Cutbush (NC), Kobe Costley (Eastside), Rian Drewett (Eastside), Angus Sevier (Pioneer).

Overall Tournament Places:

Boys yr 5/6 Development:

1. Horomaka Young Bucks
2. Cowles
3. NC Tigers
4. NC Bearcats
5. NC Bengals
6. Wairakei Wolves
7. Marlborough 

Boys yr 5/6 A:

1. Horomaka Thunder
2. Pioneer
3. NC Lions
4. Marlborough

 Girls yr 7/8 Development:

1. NC Panthers
2. NC Pumas
3. Pioneer
4. Cowles
5. Casebrook
6. BBMC Green 

Girls yr 7/8 A:

1. NC Wildcats
2. Cobham Intermediate
3. Gators
4. BBMC Gold 

Boys yr 7/8 Development:

1. NC Siberian Tigers
2. NC Cheetahs
3. Pioneer
4. NC Jaguars
5. NC Mountain Lions
6. Casebrook
7. NC Bobcats
8. BBMC Green
9. NC Cougars
10. Cowles
11. Alexandra
12. Marlborough

Boys yr 7/8 A:

1. NC Tarheels
2. Eastside Scorpions
3. Pioneer
4. Gators
5. Marlborough
6. Cowles
7. BBMC Gold
8. Horomaka