Tokomanawa Queens Secure 88-76 Victory Over Southern Hoiho

The Tokomanawa Queens triumphed over the Southern Hoiho with an impressive score of 88-76 in a match held in Porirua on October 7, 2023. The victory marked a significant performance for the Queens, showcasing their depth and strategy on the court.

Penina Davidson was a standout player for the Queens, contributing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Her dynamic play was complemented by Kristy Wallace, who added 20 points and nine assists to the scoreboard. This duo effectively led the team, helping to maintain a competitive edge throughout the game.

The Hoiho, despite the loss, had notable contributions from Bec Pizzey, who recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds, along with four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Paige Bradley also played a pivotal role for the visitors, finishing with 17 points as she worked to keep the Hoiho in contention.

The match began with a strong performance from both teams. After a promising start, the Hoiho struggled with turnovers, allowing the Queens to capitalize. A deep three-pointer from Claire Jacobs helped the Hoiho close the gap at 22-19, but the Queens responded swiftly. Stella Beck intercepted a cross-court pass and executed a fast break, pushing the Queens’ lead to 28-20 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Hoiho looked to rebound, with Lil Dart hitting a three-pointer and assisting Pizzey for a close-range basket. However, the Queens continued to exploit mismatches, extending their lead to 42-30 before halftime. The Hoiho’s Bradley showcased her skills, taking charge offensively and helping her team close the gap to 54-40 at the half.

The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Hoiho, who opened with a six-point run, narrowing the score to 54-49. Bradley’s clutch three-pointer further energized the team, but Davidson halted their momentum with a timely basket. The Hoiho gained ground, winning the third quarter 20-10, and trailed by just four points at 64-60 as they entered the final period.

As the fourth quarter commenced, the Queens quickly regrouped, launching a scoring run that pushed their lead to 69-60. They maintained control for the remainder of the game, ultimately sealing the victory with a final score of 88-76.

This match in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa League highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and showcased the talent present in women’s basketball. The Queens’ ability to adapt and respond to challenges will serve them well as the season progresses.