Basketball Manawatu Secondary School Premier Boys' Grade

After narrowly beating Manakura, and comfortably beating Feilding in the semi-finals, the final was played out on Sunday morning between the Prem A Blue team and the Prem A White team. Both teams were up for a hard game of basketball, and the smattering of spectators were not to be disappointed.

After a hard first quarter, White took a comfortable lead 31 – 20. Some offensive aggression from Blue at the start of the second quarter closed the gap, whilst White struggled to score and at half time White were still ahead, but the margin had narrowed to 45 – 43.

The third quarter progressed in a similar way, with both sides having to work hard for their points, and the game being played at a furious pace. 61 – 60 after three quarters, White still ahead, but all to play for. With about three minutes left in the game, Blue took the lead, but were never able to pull away. Heading into the last minute both teams still had a shot at the title, Blue eventual winners 74 – 70. Congratulations Blue, but after a season of working hard together, this really is a ‘squad’ title.