Manukura climbing the basketball pecking order
‘‘It’s been a huge improvement since last year. Last year was good exposure for the boys in terms of knowing where they need to get.’’ Coach Tia Temata-frost
Palmerston North school Manukura is slowly emerging as a basketball force.
Manukura are competing in the A competition for smaller schools at the New Zealand secondary schools basketball competition at the Arena this week and are one of the favourites for the title.
Manukura have only had a basketball programme for the past two years under coach Tia Tematafrost, a former Manawatu Jets player, but have come on a lot in that time.
They finished ninth last season in their first time at the tournament, but after going through qualifying unbeaten this year, they are the top North Island seed.
‘‘It’s been a huge improvement since last year,’’ Temata-frost said. ‘‘Last year was good exposure for the boys in terms of knowing where they need to get.
‘‘From the end of nationals last year to now has been a big step.’’
Temata-frost will only lose one player from his squad for next season, too.
‘‘We’re building something. We’ll keep it going and keep the continuity going.’’
Temata-frost wasn’t getting ahead of himself despite their form and said they had to turn up to every game.
Their squad has two players on the fringes of New Zealand teams in Shaka Riddell, who was in the New Zealand under-16 side last year and Kahurangi Devonshire, who was in the New Zealand under-16 development team.
In their opening game of the tournament yesterday morning, Manukura were too good for Greymouth High School, winning by a 74-62 scoreline.
Riddell was their best player against Greymouth with a couple of impressive dunks, and both Tawhio Te Riini and Matangirei Hipango stood out as well.
They were to play Sir Edmund Hillary College (Auckland) last night.
Manukura will play St Kevin’s College (Oamaru) in a televised game this morning, then South Island top seeds Catholic Cathedral College (Christchurch) tonight.
Playoff games in the A competition start tomorrow.
Palmerston North Boys’ High School are competing in the premier tournament and started the week with a 90-81 win over Auckland’s Selwyn College.
Boys’ High play defending champions Rosmini College this morning, then Hamilton Boys’ High School in the afternoon.
They play Hastings Boys’ High School and Te Awamutu College tomorrow, with playoffs starting on Thursday.