Southern sides get new era in women’s basketball rolling
Let the record show Laina Snyder scored the opening points in the inaugural season of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa.
On a historic night for women’s basketball in New Zealand, the Southern Hoiho forward nailed a mid-ranger jumper to get the visiting side off to a useful start in Christchurch.
The Mainland Pouakai slipped behind early, but their speed in transition and perimeter defence helped them post a 73-63 victory.
The new five-team league lived up to the hype. It was a vast step up on the previous league as the pace, accuracy and skill on display made for compelling viewing.
Snyder was one of the best on court. The American import followed up her opening shot with a game-high haul of 32 points as well as 10 rebounds.
With a bit more scoring support from her team-mates, the result might have been different.
Snyder felt it was a good first outing despite the result.
“Coming in, we just wanted to represent the region and put in a good showing,” she told the Sky Sport commentary team.
“Tonight was the first night we had our whole squad together, so we’re taking the pieces that we had tonight and working with them.
“We have something to work with now.
“We know where we are going and we are heading in the right direction.”
Pouakai import Erin Whalen matched Snyder’s skill with a formidable performance of her own. She tallied 15 points as Kiwi Tall Ferns Tessa Boagni and Mary Goulding netted 16 apiece. Boagni also grabbed 11 boards in a dominant effort under the hoop.
The Hoiho capitalised on some early errors from the Pouakai to open up a 7-2 lead. Samara Gallaher hit a nice three-pointer from the corner and Snyder hit top gear from tip off.
But Whalen can play too. The American drove to the basket for a couple of lay-ups to get the score moving for her side.
Sprinkle in some timely threepointers from Goulding and Tessa Morrison, and some strong rebounding from Boagni, and you have a recipe for a solid 39-26 halftime lead.