Hawke's Bay Today

Close finals as primary basketball season ends

- DAN0012615 By Sonita Chandar

The Dannevirke primary schools basketball league wrapped up last week with some exciting and nailbiting final games.

With a trophy on the line in each grade, competitio­n was healthy and fierce. Co-ordinator Barry Hughes said the finals were always a highlight and there were some very strong teams playing in the league this season.

‘‘Most of them started out playing miniball and have progressed up through the grades,’’ he said. ‘‘As they move up through the grades, the rules tighten up and the A grade teams are playing proper basketball rules.

‘‘The season has been awesome and there has been total participat­ion from the children which is what it is all about at this level. It is not about winning.’’

Mr Hughes said 12 teams took to the courts this season and although the numbers of children participat­ing had remained consistent over the years, there were a lot of new players this year.

‘‘There were kids this year who had never played a sport let alone basketball before but this year, have started up and learnt the skills,’’ he said. ‘‘They have done really well and have finished the season as basketball players. All the children across all the grades have done really well, not just the ones who played in the finals.’’

Mr Hughes said it was great to see the how the children had progressed throughout the shortened season.

‘‘It takes a while for the children to gel as a team but you can see them getting better and better as the season goes on.

‘‘We normally play for two terms but this year, a decision was made to play for only one as it meant children could then continue to play other codes. In the past we have found other things such as the Ross Shield has come along and there have been clashes with training and games.’’

Mr Hughes said basketball was a great sport which taught children ball skills and hand-to-eye co-ordination as well as being good for fitness.

‘‘The whole thing is just great. What I really like is it is an indoor sport and week after week, people still turn up regardless of how bad the weather is outside.’’

Mr Hughes said a huge thanks had to go to Ngaire Clark, the main referee as well as all the coaches and parent supporters.

‘‘We have had some exciting and fun games and we look forward to next year.’’ Results: A Grade: Te Kura A beat South Hawks.

B Grade: Huia Range Rebounders beat Huia Range Hoopfinder­s.

C Grade: Ruahine Boars beat Ruahine Hinds.

 ?? PHOTO/SONITA CHANDAR ?? TROPHY WINNERS: The Ruahine Boars won the C grade basketball final against their fellow team, the Ruahine Hinds. Back, from left, Joshua Rautahi, Bowen Brook and Jerome Madams; front, Matthew King, Jay Read and Lachlan Christian.
PHOTO/SONITA CHANDAR TROPHY WINNERS: The Ruahine Boars won the C grade basketball final against their fellow team, the Ruahine Hinds. Back, from left, Joshua Rautahi, Bowen Brook and Jerome Madams; front, Matthew King, Jay Read and Lachlan Christian.

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