2021 NZNBL Women’s Round 1 preview: Dream and Wizards’ triple treat over opening weekend
AUCKLAND Wildcats and Waikato Wizards have a busy opening weekend of action, tipping off the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) competition tonight, in the first of three games across the weekend. The Dream face reigning premiers Harbour Breeze on Saturday, and Canterbury Wildcats on Sunday, whilst the Wizards face Otago Gold Rush and Capital Swish back-to-back over those days. In the Friday games, the Gold Rush and Swish lock horns, while the Breeze and Wildcats aim to do battle.
The battle to watch tonight between the Dream and the Wizards has to be up the Dream’s offensive end with plenty of firepower stocked up ready to explode. Auckland has plenty of options it can roll through the offensive setups, while the Wizards will look to go one step better than their 2020 runner-up finish on the back of a strong defensive setup.
The talking point will be Esra McGoldrick running out for the Dream against her former side, and will look to continue the magic she created for the Wizards last year. With the likes of Amanda Wayment, Sharne Robati and newcomer Milomilo Nanai, the Dream have a lineup that could go all the way.
The Wizards have their own inclusions to watch for, with Charlisse Leger-Walker and Krystal Leger-Walker returning from college basketball at Washington State. Add in the experienced Pep Flavell and last year’s leading scorer Kayla Manuirirangi and All-Star Team representative Maka Daysh, and the Wizards are more than capable of matching it with the Dream.
Reigning champions Harbour Breeze will first play the Wildcats before setting their sights on the Dream, with a strong side despite some key losses from the championships team. Without 2020 NZNBL MVP Brooke Blair and international representative Zara Jillings, the Breeze will look to the likes of Ella Fotu, Tiarna Clarke and Jazz Kailahi-Fulu, with question marks over WNBL veteran Micaela Cocks (Australian COVID-19 lockdowns) and Ash Kelman-Poto (returning from injury), it will be fascinating to see how the Breeze handle the obstacles.
The Wildcats have been bolstered by the return of Tessa Boagni (pregnancy) and Lauryn Hippolite (injury) who both missed the 2020 season. While Shay Crotty has retired, the likes of Gemma Etheredge, Brittany Richards and Millie Knight are among those who have returned, with Hannah Mischewski touted as one to watch by coach Mel Downer.
In the other game, Otago Gold Rush take on Capital Swish with the Gold Rush then having a 24-hour turnaround to meet the Wizards, while the Swish get a two-day break for their Sunday meeting with the Wizards. Lisa Wallbutton and Savanna Handevidt are the two massive keys to the Gold Rush’s side, especially with key departures from All-Star Team member Zoe Richards and Youth Player of the Year Te Araroa Sopoaga. Four Junior Tall Ferns including Hannah Matehaere, and Annabelle Ring are among others to keep an eye on for the Gold Rush.
All eyes will be on key recruit Sopoaga who will face her former side in the opening match of the Swish’s season, joining international squad members past and present of Stella Beck, Josie Stockill and Jacinta Beckley in the side. The return of Fijian international representative Letava Whippy after a massive 2020 season is also a welcome return, with Paris Lokotui one of a number of returnees who showed good signs last year.
It all tips off tonight with the Dream and Wizards, and all seven games are broadcast live on Sky Sport New Zealand.
ROUND 1 FIXTURE:
Thursday, August 12:
Auckland Dream vs. Waikato Wizards
Friday, August 13:
Otago Gold Rush vs. Capital Swish
Harbour Breeze vs. Canterbury Wildcats
Saturday, August 14:
Waikato Wizards vs. Otago Gold Rush
Harbour Breeze vs. Auckland Dream
Sunday, August 15:
Waikato Wizards vs. Capital Swish
Auckland Dream vs. Canterbury Wildcats
Picture credit: PhotosportNZ via NZNBL
NZNBL teams prepare for massive final month
ONLY five rounds remain in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) with the final third of the season getting underway tonight. Ahead of Round 11 tipping off between the Otago Nuggets and Canterbury Bulls, we look at how each of the 10 teams is shaping up in the run home. Auckland Tutatara Position: 1stWin-Loss: […]
Queens rule to claim inaugural title
AFTER an action-packed season, Tokomanawa Queens have taken out the 2022 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa title, defeating Northern Kahu by nine points at The Trafalgar Centre on the weekend. The Queens finished second behind the Kahu on the ladder coming into the finals series, but headed into Saturday’s decider with plenty of confidence, having defeated them […]
Queens match to victory in second half
A STARRING second half performance of 56 points to 34 has resulted in the Tokomanawa Queens securing their place in the 2022 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa Grand Final. The Queens knocked off Mainland Pouakai by 24 points, storming to victory off the back of an international trio. Though the Pouakai – who have caused headaches for […]
Kahu back up minor premiership with semi-win
A DOMINANT first term and then finishing with a wet sail allowed minor premiers Northern Kahu to book their spot in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa Grand Final. The top of the table Kahu defeated fourth placed Mid-North Whai by 15 points at the Trafalgar Centre, largely built off a 23-6 opening stanza. Though the Whai […]
Kahu cruise to final round win over Pouakai
MINOR premiers Northern Kahu capped off the remarkable inaugural 2022 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa season with an impressive 13-point win over Mainland Pouakai last night. The Kahu were locked into top spot courtesy of their 9-2 season, but still managed to run out the final game strongly, overcoming an early headache to seize control of the […]
Whai end regular season with win
AFTER being the only side to go down to Southern Hoiho during the season, the Mid-North Whai set the record straight in the final round, defeating the wooden spooners ahead of an important finals series. The Whai were on the back foot in the middle of the game, but steadied to run out 10-point victors […]
Pouakai wins thriller; secures third spot
THE Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa finals series matchup are locked in despite a couple of regular season matches to go, following Mainland Pouakai‘s thrilling victory over Mid-North Whai. The Whai were in with a chance to snatch third spot had they won this match, and did have great form over the Pouakai, defeating them in their […]
Queens pip Kahu to lock up second spot
FOR the second time this season, Tokomanawa Queens had the answers for the otherwise unbeatable Northern Kahu, defeating the top of the table side by a point to secure a top two position on the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa ladder. After accounting for the Kahu a few weeks back, the Queens ground out a one-point win […]
Finals-bound sides set sights on last round
ONE round remains in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa season, with the best of New Zealand’s women’s basketball set to come to a head on Saturday, August 26-27. Though the final round takes place this weekend, fans will be doing the calculations ahead of the Final 4 weekend. The four sides are already decided in the […]
