First V Coach Report

The Basketball program saw a new group emerge as leaders in the 2020 season. With opportunities coming for minutes and leadership, a new wave led by All-Stars Jake Banks (teams leading scorer) and Kobe Northmore (the floor general), they made the most of their new roles and stepped up to the challenge. Capping of the season coming 3rd in the College Park Invitational with huge wins over Waimea (twice) and Boys High.

With Year 13’s Sam Gallagher, Nick Dravitzki, Max Smail and Kieran Charlton, we had toughness and defensive smarts on display to show the younger players how to defend. Sam started most Thompson Trophy games in the Centre position. Playing solid defence and blocking many shots. Kieran rebounded at a high level and had a season high 24 rebounds in a single game. Max’s energy off the bench was inspiring for the younger forwards and Nick would take the challenge of guarding the other teams best player and often come up clutch as a reliable defender.

Louis De Lautour came into his own late in the season and showed he can take over the game on multiple levels. Peter Taylor’s improvement launched him from an u17b player last year into a solid 2-way player and a sensational shooter from 3 point range.

The most exciting part of the program is that two of the teams key players are just Year 10. Louie Gordon is already a top Point Guard in High School Basketball, he scored 36 points in the teams final game of the season against Waimea (an incredible feat for a Year 10) and is certainly set to have a huge 2021 and Hugo Gonzalez is fast becoming a key player in the team. Both representing the Waitaha Under 17’s and playing huge minutes for our STC team. A very bright future for these two competitors.

Joe Hammond

First V Coach