Game 1 vs Rolleston

After a few weeks without a game this was always going to be ugly to start with. Down 10 at the end of the quarter the Spartans Coach Fraser Costley needed to settle down and re-focus the team.

The rust and cobwebs gone after the first quarter led to a more determined effort in the second quarter. The Spartans made a great run and went into half time up 5.

Both teams battled in the second half and the game was close right up until the last 90 seconds when the Spartans pulled ahead by 6 and managed to hold on for the win.

SBHS 86 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 28, Lachie Watson 16, Nikou Fox 13, Jayden Sincock 11, and Ethan Hardaker 11) - Rolleston 80.

Game 2 vs John McGlashan

Second game of the tournament saw the Spartans come up against John McGlashan. A free-flowing game with not a lot of fouls being called frustrated the Shirley players, but we slowly adjusted to the style of play and pushed the ball and attacked close to the rim.

The Spartans led for most of the game and finished the game with a 17-point win.

Shirley 75 (Ethan Hardaker 21, Nikou Fox 17, Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 11) - McGlashan 58

Game 3 vs Ashburton

The Spartans had to work hard for the first game of the day. Battling against an under-sized Ashburton team who worked hard and could put the ball in the hoop. The Shirley team was down by 3 at the end of the first quarter. A more focused second quarter saw the Spartans lead by 7 at half time on the back of a strong offensive display from Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa.

A big defensive effort by Kane Cotes-James and some improved offensive output from Jayden Sincock, Phoenix Uriarau, and Kane, allowed the Spartans to put their foot down in the second half and run away with a 40-point win in the second half.

Great contributions at both ends of the court from all the Spartans in today’s game.

A special mention to Bradley Salkeld who made his Senior A debut today and chipped in with 5 points.

SBHS 100 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 18, Jayden Sincock 16, Phoenix Uriarau 13, Kane Cote-James 11, and Ethan Hardaker 11) - Ashburton 60

Game 4 vs Christchurch Boys' High

The second game for today was a must win against CBHS that would guarantee us a spot in the quarter finals.

It was always going to be a tough game with both teams playing some good Basketball. After a see-saw first half the Spartans were up by 4 at half time on the back of 6 quick points from Lachie Watson in the last 2 mins of the 2nd.

A series of 3 pointers from Manaia-Ariki allowed the Spartans to gain a small lead going into the last quarter.

Some smart Basketball and a few well timed 3-point shots from Nikou Fox closed the game out for the Spartans.

SBHS 93 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 30, Nikou Fox 16, Kane Cotes-James 14, and Lachie Watson 11) - CBHS 81

Game 5 vs St Bedes

The last pool game saw the Spartans face up against the old foes St Bedes in a battle of the undefeated teams in our pool. Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals so this game was to determine who had to play the powerhouse Christs College in the quarter. St Bedes started well and led 22-16 at the end of the first quarter. The game was still within reach at half time with the Spartans being down 30-39.

Unfortunately, St Bedes were too strong in the 2nd half and pushed the led out to 20 at the end of the 3rd quarter and ended up winning comfortably.

SBHS 64 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 27, Lachie Watson 10) - St Bedes 91

Game 6 vs Christs College

Quarter-Final against the Power-house that is Christ College. This was always going to be a tough battle. The Spartans put on a solid effort but never troubled Christs College who secured a 40-point win.

SBHS 63 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 16, Jayden Sincock 10) - Christs Collage 106

Game 7 vs St Thomas's

This was a must win game to qualify for the School Boy Nationals. The Spartans started strong led by vice-captain Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa who was a beast in the first half and had us within 4 points at half time 42-46.

Unfortunately, some mental lapses in the 3rd quarter resulted in a lot of turnovers, and missed assignments and this allowed St Thomas's to push their lead to 23 at the end of the 3rd. The fourth quarter was pretty even but the damage was already done.

SBHS 75 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 26, Ethan Hardaker 18) - St Thomas's 101

Game 8 vs Otago Boys' - 7th and 8th

This game was the final game for the Spartans for the six year 13 Boys in the team. Unfortunately, Ethan Hardaker was injured for this game, but the other five Year 13s had the honour of starting their final game.

Without the high expectations and pressure from the last few games, this game was played in good spirits by both teams.

It was a back and forward game that the Spartans enjoyed playing.

As the game started the 4th quarter the intensity levels increased as both teams wanted to win their final game of the season.

The 4th quarter was littered with some stunning plays by both teams. Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa thought he had sealed the game with a driving layup (and what should have been a foul as well) with 3 seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately, OBs scored on the buzzer with a foul being committed to give them the chance to win with no time left on the clock. Luckily OBs missed the free throw and the game went into overtime.

In overtime OBs pushed out to an 8-point lead, but consecutive 3s from Manaia-Ariki and Lachie Watson gave the Spartans a chance. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time left for a full comeback and the Spartans went down by 3 points in what was probably the most entertaining game of the night.

SBHS 89 (Manaia-Ariki Wharepapa 36, Phoenix Uriarau 20, Lachie Watson 11) - Otago Boys' 92

All the best to the Year 13s for their future Basketball adventures - Thank you for your efforts Jayden Sincock, Lachie Watson, Ethan Hardaker, Phoenix Uriarau, Kane Cotes-James and Joel Arona

The long journey home:

After a terrible night of wind, rain and hail, the Spartans were up, packed, and ready to leave Invercargill by 8am.

The first hour of driving was pretty dicey, with the strong winds blowing around our 17-seater minivan.

Mr Stocks and Mr Howell decided that they would take the boys to see one of the lesser known "Points" in the South Island, and as you can see by the picture below the Spartan Bball boys were over the moon to visit such an important and historical site.

From there we headed North (with one unscheduled stop) to Queenstown where we visited another well-known tourist attraction for lunch - Queenstown's famous Fergburger.

After the Spartans had smashed their burgers, and cleaned up one dropped slushy, we continued the long journey back to  Ōtautahi, where we eventually arrived at Shirley Boys' High School at 7pm - 11 hours after leaving Invercargill.

A great week, with a great bunch of lads.

Hopefully there were many lasting memories formed at the tournament.