This was played in Timaru

Day 1. The Senior Boys team played their first game against a really tall Papanui team and went down 71-52. The MVHS team was well placed leading into the 3rd quarter going toe to toe but for some unfortunate adversity to effect the teams balance the result could of gone our way. The boys showed great grit and courage as usual!

Day 2. The Senior Boys played Cromwell in the morning going down 72-70 the team battled toe to toe throughout while being undermanned for the game, Rowan Waller and Jackson Guthrie having great games to lead the team.The evening game against South Otago we were back to full strength until injury struck, however the team had built a a large lead by then. The boys played a superb first quarter of team basketball jumping out to an early 18 point lead. Liam James had a number of great assists along with 39 points, while Rowan started the game strong until an unfortunate ankle injury, Jackson and Kobi Flett helped keep the score board ticking over with timely buckets, Deacon Cooper and Damien Shaw were immense on defense pressing on defense forcing turnovers, Caleb Hay, Horowai Unahi and Cornelius Watkins battled for rebounds and helping shut down the opposition on defense. Final score 78-53.

Day 3. The last day for the Senior Boys saw us having 2 games in quick succession. First game against a well drilled Rangiora team had the boys battle back from 14 down to take the game down to the wire in the last few minutes despite foul trouble and injury. Unfortunately wasn’t to be again losing 88-79. The second game played at Craighead versus St Bede's was a similar story and also with a very short break of 2 hours. Again injury some sickness and cramping tested our resilience but as like previous games the boys showed amazing grit and determination to again take the game close but wasn’t meant to be. Loss 74-68. This week has been great in many ways but unbelievably unlucky and testing in others but both Jackie Ryder manager and I as coach couldn’t have been prouder on the way the team handled itself by displaying immense courage and grit and a never give up attitude. This will set the team up amazingly for next year with the learnings, dealing with adversity and with being still a young team of year 11,12’s.

Shout out to Sally Guthrie and James McFarlane for helping out along with Paul Ryder delivering lunches. Our great supporters that are always super positive. Lastly huge thanks to Jackie Ryder for managing and doing an amazing job making my life easy. Thanks to Horowai Unahi and Cornelius Watkins for joining the team and doing a great job.Also a special mention to Rowan Waller who unfortunately was struck down with a serious injury mid way through the tournament - Rowan is a massive part of the team so was a huge loss. Fingers crossed for a quick recovery.