Oaklands basketball is in great shape going by the results of Tuesday's South West zone tournament.

4 teams were entered into this tournament, held yesterday (Tuesday) at Pioneer Stadium. Given the polar conditions outside, we were very happy that basketball is an indoor sport.

Oaklands entered teams in the:

Year 5/6 Boys/mixed

Year 5/6 Girls

Year 7/8 Boys/mixed

Year 7/8 Girls

For the boys teams the tournament began with 3 games against teams in their respective section. We then progressed to semi-finals, and for those who won, finals.

Competition was tough, with all games played at an often frenetic pace. With games only being 10 minutes long, with rolling subs, players looked quite relieved to get a break on the bench.

As the day wrapped up, there were many smiles on the faces of Oaklands players, and our awesome parent supporters who were there, as we took away some of the silverware on offer.

To qualify for the Canterbury tournament, we needed to place 1st or 2nd. And we did.

1st place: Year 7/8 Girls

A very strong team right throughout the 8 members, the girls put on a bit of a display of teamwork as they combined well together to shut out the other teams. Now we just need to work on getting the ball through the hoop a little more regularly.

2nd place: Year 7/8 Boys & Year 5/6 Girls

Our year 5/6 girls are a mixture of Wednesday and Thursday teams but combined very effectively as a team to secure 2nd place and a trip to the Canterbury event. Well done, girls. We are very proud of your efforts today. 

Year 7/8 Boys --> Semi-final, the boys fight back against St Theresa to draw level at 12/12 at full-time. A result is needed so the game goes into 'golden point' where the first team to score wins.

St Theresa drives to the basket and put up a number of shots, all bouncing off the rim. A quick Oaklands pick up and throw to Cody who drives to half-way. A perfect pass to Kade who drives to the hoop and puts in a layup. It hits the backboard ... and drops into the net. Victory to Oaklands!, and a spot in the final. The win also guaranteed a place in the Canterbury event.

4th place: Year 5/6 boys

This group of boys have a heap of talent and so much potential. Finishing 2nd in their section play, the just missed out on making the final, going down in their 3rd/4th playoff.

The boys bring an energy and keenness to their basketball which will reap rewards as their core dribbling and shooting skills develop. A team to definitely watch out for in the next couple of years.

THANK YOU

A very special mention to all the amazing parents/caregivers who provided transport and/ or joined us at Pioneer to cheer the teams on. We can't do it without you, so thanks.

Thanks you also to Sophie, Leah, Erica and Cody who travelled over with the Year 5/6 teams to help as managers today. You're awesome.