On Sunday, the four Selwyn Secondary Schools squared off in a Quad Tournament featuring their top Year 9 & 10 players in preparation for various upcoming South Island tournaments. Each team played three games in the space of 6 hours, all games being hosted by Rolleston College. Darfield entered the "Crocs" who used it as a valuable learning experience as they travel to Nelson for South Island Champs next week.Game 1. vs Ellesmere College. 54-34 Win.First game out of the blocks and Ellesmere came to play! A very courageous and determined side had the Crocs working hard. Darfield eventually went up a gear and pulled away in the fourth quarter to win comfortably. The scoreline isn't the best representation of what was a physical and skillful game. Quinn McClimont led all scorers with 13 off the bench, Point Guard Austin Earl was next with 12 points. Will Bonnet had 7 points, Finn Jacobs 6, Harley Scobie 4, and Blake Taylor and Taane Buechele had 2 points each.
Game 2. vs Lincoln High School. 47-34 Loss.Lincoln entered the day as the team to beat in the Quad, sporting a range of talent, especially shooters and quick guards. The first quarter was tight as the Crocs were up for the challenge but in the second quarter Lincoln extended their lead to 10 points and held us there for the remainder of the game. Austin Earl led the scoring with 10 points, Quinn McClimont and Harley Scobie contributed 8 and 6 points respectively and Willy MacPherson, Finn Jacobs, Blake Taylor and Taane Buechelle each added a further 2 points each.
Game 3. vs Rolleston College. 62-52 Loss.The last game of the day was the toughest, the boys were knackered and Rolleston was the most physical team in the tournament. They had a team of forwards who threw bodies at the opposition all day. The game was tight for 3 quarters, with Darfield leading up until halftime. In the fourth quarter, Rolleston found their extra gear and sealed the game with 3minutes to go. Quinn McClimont led the scoring with 16 points, Will Bonnet and Austin Earl chimed in with 12 points each and Finn Jacobs finished with 9.
Lincoln High School won the Quad Tournament, winning all three games. Rolleston College placed second (only losing to Lincoln), Darfield High School third and Ellesmere College fourth.
Overall, a great experience and some good learning heading into Nelson. Darfield have been placed in Pool B for the Nelson tournament, facing Burnside High School and Te Kura o Arowhenua (from Invercargill) in their pool. Wishing them all the best!
Andy Lee.Head Coach - Darfield Crocs.