2022 has been an enjoyable year for our Basketball players at Avonside.

Our team embarked on another Division 1 McDonald’s Thomson Whelan Trophy campaign, which consisted of highs and lows. We had a few losses but also some good wins. Being a small but fast team, we were faced with huge challenges, encountering some tough opponents. This helped us grow together as a team and we developed our skills and team culture. Mid way through the season wez attended the annual quad tournament in Timaru, where we celebrated multiple victories. Our team won the basketball grade for the first time in history and showed strong ethics, shooting, grit and resilience. Both games started slow as we trailed behind till half time. It was not over yet - our girls know how to fight back and that’s exactly what we did! Shooting 3s, blocking, steeling, and driving right to the hoop is why we won both our games, playing right down to the final few seconds.

To finish off our season, we entered in the South Island Basketball tournament in Invercargill, which hadn’t been played in over three years due to covid. This was a great experience for the team to bond together, play good basketball and have some fun. It started off with an early morning 6:30am drive, which as you can imagine was a struggle. With multiple stops along the way, we finally made it to Invercargill around 3:00pm. Starting the tournament in what we thought was a good pool, we played some hard basketball. People were on the floor hustling for rebounds, shooting from the 3-point line and screaming support from the bench. I loved seeing our team bond together on and off the court. It was a privilege to captain to a great bunch of girls. I would recommend to future ballers to strive, work hard, and give a trial a go! It’s an honour making the Senior A team. Being away from home on tournament, you can express yourself within a team environment. The experience you gain leads you to grow as an individual in less than a week. We all had a great time. A particular highlight for us was the food, provided by the parents, and put together by our awesome manager Carolyn Pine. It was great to see our principal Mrs Law come down and support us. Overall, we loved tournament week.

It’s inspiring watching players develop and flourish throughout the year. To see them become more confident by stepping outside their comfort area, both as players and individuals. It is awesome to see so many students at Avonside getting more involved in Basketball, watching them develop an appreciation for the game. Personally, I have enjoyed playing and being coached and guided by Mrs Lissaman. Basketball has been the core to my entire High School experience. I want to encourage and influence as many junior students as possible to give it a go!

Lastly, I would like to thank our amazing coach, Pina Lissaman for all the early morning trainings, the feedback, the food, the good banter, the skills, and the aroha that you have put into the team for the last five years. It’s because of you that we developed such a positive team culture where everyone feels included.

I would also like to thank the following people:

• Assistant coach Dene Robinson for stepping in when Pina was away overseas with basketball and developing and looking after the junior grades.
• Mrs Paton, for your on-going support on Friday nights.
• Mr Matthew Vernick, for your positive feedback and drive.

With four seniors graduating this season, the team will be looking to Ava and Ella Costly to continue leading with their 3-point shooting, on court experience and strong skill set. Isa Swart and Tyler Limmer for their strong presence on the inside, voice, and height. Upcoming stars Jaeda Lynch-Brown and Dyani Tuliau for speed, driving to the hoop, and personality. Rounding out the team are our determined new rookies Olivia Mutch and Ayla Ropiha. It’s going to be another season to keep an eye on.