TABLEOF CONTENTS.
TauihiRound5 Pressure,PrideandPayback
The Tauranga Whai battled hard to stay at the top of the table in their home town.
Emme Shearer is lighting up the league right now, with 21 points to lead Whai’s scoring Jessica McDowellWhite had 13 points on a perfect shooting night, while Mikayla Cowling and Laina Snyder had 17 apiece What a scoring night for the Whai!
Our Kāhu had great energy and fight, with Haleigh Reinoehl putting up a double double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Lauren Mansfield added 13, and Abi Curtin 11.
MainlandPouākai103
TokomanawaQueens 79
In what felt like a do or die performance for the Pouākai, these girls delivered, and did so without starting PG Morgan Yaegar
This squad put on not only a scoring frenzy, but also a defensive masterclass. Marena Whittle led the way with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, going 3-7 from downtown. Taylor Mikesell was 4-7 from deep, and tallied 19 points, while Esra McGoldrick had 20 points and 5 rebounds.
For the Queens, who had a tough day at the office, Jihyun Park led the charge with 19 points and 7 rebounds. The next highest was Kristy Wallace with 14, Stella Beck with 10 and Briarely Rogers off the bench with 10.
TokomanawaQueens88
SouthernHoiho95
With a day's rest in between, the Queens bounced back better than ever, winning at home in front of an electric crowd. While Hoiho fought hard, kept it close, and made Queens struggle, the ladies from the 07 were too strong in the end. Kristy Wallace performed with 20 points and 9 assists, Penina Davidson adding 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Lou Brown with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Stella Beck though, leads this group with intensity, effort and hustle, dipping into every stat category - 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks For the ever-fighting Hoiho, Rebecca Pizzey led the way on a double-double, 18 points and 12 rebounds Closely following behind was Paige Bradley who had 17 points, and Lil Dart offered 12 off the bench.
RapidLeague Round5Wrapped
Tauranga Whai 42 - BNZ Kāhu 39
The BNZ Kāhu were within touching distance to their first win of the season, but a solid performance from the Whai, and a clutch three from youngster Charis Broughton in overtime, edged the Whai away in the end. Sophia Locandro for the Whai had 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Jade Kirisome contributed 8 points. High Schoolers Graceyn Parahi and Charis Broughton added 6 points each. For the Kāhu, Azure Anderson continues her hot run with 11 points, Emma-Kaye Schroeder had 7, and so did the legendary Krystal Leger-Walker in her Rapid League return
Tokomanawa Queens 33 - Mainland Pouākai 31
The Tokomanawa Queens got this one over the Pouākai in the second consecutive thriller of the round. Briarley Rogers, whose name has become synonymous with scoring, led all scorers with 16 points, including some late, clutch-time buckets Keriana Hippolite added 6, and Trousdell and Hokianga had 5 For the Pouākai, E-MVP Rogers (as they’re calling her now), had 13 points and 3 assists, while Charlotte Whittaker came up big time with 7 points and 7 rebounds.
Tokomanawa Queens 33 - Southern Hoiho 29
In a seesaw battle to the final buzzer, the Queens managed to perform at home This win solidifies them at the top of the Rapid leaderboard, going 5-1 Pahlyss Hokianga had 8 points and 3 assists, Paige Burrows had 8 points, two of which were game-icing free throws, and Trousdell pulled down a massive 8 rebounds. Eva Langton led the way for the Hoiho with 9 points, Sammy Gallaher adding 5 points and 8 rebounds, and Lil Dart chipping in 5 points.
Wāhine Who Lead
Coaching Corner: The Wonderful Wāhine Who Lead
While the players bring the magic, we can’t forget about the women who are the brains trust behind the success. The strength of the league stems from their minds and mentorship, shaping the league’s fire and competitiveness.
While the statistics of women athletes in sport are overwhelming, the rates of female coaches as sports turn professional trends in the opposite direction. As leagues turn pro, females are more likely to drop off. It is essential we make conscious efforts to create space for our wahine to thrive, and that’s why we are highlighting the wonderful ladies who are the backbones of the league.
Fearless Leaders: The Head Coaches Tauihi currently boasts two female head coaches, and we are proud to say we have one of ‘em!
Jody Cameron has been the Head Coach of the Kāhu since day dot, and has done a fantastic job with the squad. She led them to a finals appearance in ‘22, a championship in ‘23, a top four finish in ‘24, and hopefully something special again this year. A Tall Ferns legend herself, with long-serving impact around the country, she is the epitome of leadership, strength and vision
Jody’s work extends beyond Tauihi - she heads up the Te Hāpatainga programme for emerging and high potential female coaches, a part of High Performance Sport New Zealand Our Kāhu girls thrive under her authority, experience and deep-rooted basketball IQ.
TANIATUPU TOKOMANAWAQUEENS HEADCOACH
Over in the capital, Tania Tupu leads the Tokomanawa Queens with distinction. Coaching them also from the inaugural season, she has led them to a finals appearance every year
A decorated Tall Fern herself with 93 appearances, the Wellington born and bred star is building something special back in her hometown. She builds culture, grit and connection Year after year, her player retention and excellent on-court results prove the power she has as their fearless leader, and there’s no chance she’s going anywhere anytime soon.
THEASSISTANTS
Behind every head coach stands an army of dedicated assistants - the ones grinding through film sessions, jam-packed trainings and scouting reports
For us, Kāhu are proud to have both Justine Reed and Darci Finnigan. Justine, a cornerstone of the Kāhu programme since ‘22, has a decorated career in New Zealand basketball so far. Her work in the 3x3 space is notable, where she led the Tall Ferns 3x3 squad for a long period, and has a plethora of international experience Darci has shot through the ranks due to her intelligence, hard work and passion for the game She’s the Women’s Development Lead for Harbour Basketball, head coach of St. Kentigern college who placed 4th at Secondary School Nationals this year, has led many Harbour rep teams, and is an assistant coach for the NZ U17 women’s team heading to Worlds next year.
For the Tokomanawa Queens, their lead assistant is Mel Bennett, current Tall Ferns AC Mel was the Head Coach of the Tauranga Whai for seasons 2022 and 2023, and led the U17 World Cup team to 12th at the World Cup in 2024. She’s every ounce of respect her resume commands.
The Mainland Pouākai’s lead assistant is Helen Williamson, who is returning from working overseas to undertake the role she had in the inaugural 2022 season Awarded Canterbury Coach of the Year in 2021, she’s stoked to be back in the mix under Alex Stojkovic Alongside her is rising star Holly Parish At just 21, Holly has already ticked off plenty of rep and school teams, and is leading Rangiora High School. Her trajectory is one to watch.
Down south for the Hoiho, they have both Nat Visger and Hannah Bede on their coaching staff. Nat has served in the Otago Basketball, and New Zealand Basketball, scene for years She was the Junior Tall Ferns coach in 2022, and has spent time as an assistant and head coach in various other New Zealand, Otago rep, and school spaces. Hannah Bede is a player who’s only recently hung up the boots, but still has things to contribute. She is a product of Otago basketball and is another wahine who’s decided to give back to the place that gave to her - you love to see it.
Tayla Dalton
LA DALTON HAS BEEN ONE OF NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL’S GHTEST TALENTS FOR YEARS. FROM REPRESENTING NEW ZEALAND SINCE UNDER-17S TO STARRING FOR ST MARY'S COLLEGE AND GONZAGA UNIVERSITY IN THE UNITED STATES, TAYLA HAS CONSISTENTLY SHOWN HER SKILL, DEDICATION, AND LEADERSHIP.
Now back in NZ and with the Tauranga Whai, it’s a full-circle moment that connects her love of sport, her community, and her growth as an athlete Returning to full swing after a minor injury, fans should watch out for her energy and competitive fire as she steps back onto the court. Coming Home to Compete Dalton says being back in New Zealand after five years in the US feels like a reunion, both on and off the court. “I think for me, when I was in college, I never thought that I was going to be able to play back at home if I wanted to play professionally. Now that the Tauihi League is not only available to play, it's also a highly competitive professional league that's attracting people all around the world It's so nice for me to be able to play near home, near my family and friends It feels like a big reunion because every team that I play, there are big hugs at the end of every game It definitely is just a nice taste of home.” Her connection to Tauranga runs deep, spending many summers competing in Surf Life Saving competitions at Mount Maunganui beach when she was young. “I've grown up doing Surf Life Saving down here and spent so much time on Mount Maunganui beach. So it's really nice to be back here and be so close to home.” Tayla’s return is more than just playing basketball - it’s about reconnecting with her roots and being back with a community she’s always loved being a part of
When talking about the Whai, Dalton says it’s not just about basketball, but about the people who make up the team. She describes an environment built on care, support, and a shared sense of purpose. “I think, right from the top head staff, founders and coaches, all the way through to our players and our younger babies, there's just this real family vibe, real family culture, and it's bigger than basketball Everyone really cares for each other, supports one another Whether girls are selected for the week or not, playing rapid or in the starting five, I think everyone's genuinely got each other's back every day.” It's clear how much this team means to Tayla and how much she enjoys being part of the Whai. "I look forward to training. It's not a chore. It's really a pleasure."
“I'll be honest, no matter how old I am or how many injuries I've had, that's something I'm still working on, and still somewhere I need to improve. I think, as an athlete, as soon as the sport gets taken away from you, you feel really lost.” She explains how finding balance has been key. “That's why I've had to learn that you've got to have things that make you happy outside of basketball and that challenge you mentally outside of basketball In college, it was really good that I had so much schoolwork, because I was really passionate about it. Also finding happiness in other things, whether it's going for a walk and getting coffee, reading a book or heading down to the beach, little things like that are important.” Dalton's approach also demonstrates her dedication and determination. Even when unable to train, she still found ways to improve her game. “While I couldn't be training on the court, I was in the pool swimming, I was watching lots of film, meeting with my coaches, and finding alternatives to still be getting better at my craft ”
Dalton’s passion for growth doesn’t stop with her own game as she’s excited to see young Kiwi players breaking into the league “We have seven girls who are still in high school Two of them are literally 15 years old! I think that's one of the coolest parts about this Tauihi League, because you're getting to build relationships and help mentor the younger ones. I know back when I was 15, being a part of this environment would have meant the world to me. Having role models they can play with and train with every day, while also getting advice from, is really cool.” She’s proud of what this new generation represents. “They're great! Our Kiwi talent, that's up and coming, is so good. I'm so excited for what the future holds for them.” Advice for the Junior Players Tayla emphasises to “soak it all in”. When asked what she’d say to younger players hoping to follow her path, her message is clear “I'd say, be fearless Soak up as much as you can Ask as many questions as you can Get to know the people around you Go get a coffee with them. Hear other people's stories, because you're literally in touch with some of the top performing athletes. You’d rather hear it firsthand than through social media. So just soak up as much as you can.”
TheLaceyLowdown Stats&Milestones
BNZ Kāhu
In Krystal Leger-Walker’s Tauihi return, and first game of the year, she crossed the line of the first Tauihi player to ever hit 200 career assists
Haleigh Reinohel’s 14 rebounds vs the Whai equalled her career high
Azure Anderson’s 11 points in Rapid points her up to over 150 career Rapid points
Whai
Jade Kirisome passed 200 career points, the 12th kiwi to do so
Laina Snyder became player #7 to pass 100 career assists
Emme Shearer is 6 points away from 100 points on the season
Sophia Locandro’s 15 points in Rapid is a season best for the Whai
Queens
Penina Davidson became the 10th player, and 5th kiwi, to score 400 career points. She also needs just one rebound to become the first Tauihi player to reach 300 career rebounds
Grace Hunter needs 7 points to reach 100 Rapid points, and Keriana Hippolite needs 5
Pouākai
Marena Whittle has scored 20+ points in 5 out of the 6 games she’s played McKenna Dale needs one more assist for 100 in her Tauihi career, she’d become the 8th player to make this mark, and only the 4th Kiwi.
Emma Rogers is the only player to score double digits in every Rapid game so far
Hoiho
Zoe Richards needs 3 rebounds to become the 4th player to get 250 career rebounds
Paige Bradley is following in Krystal’s footsteps, 1 assist away from 200 in her career
InternationalBall
EuroLeague
As you’ve hopefully started to see so far, there is a generous amount of high level women’s basketball to enjoy and follow worldwide. It’s not uncommon to learn about new players and teams as player movement is often active around this time of year when players explore new places to apply their trade. There is, however, a consistent league that WNBA and other players often flock to: EuroLeague. A well-renowned league around the world, it’s a popular destination for some of the world’s best players and passionate basketball fans. In light of that, here are the basics you need to know about the EuroLeague Women’s Competition:
How it works: There are 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. The top three teams from each group advance whilst the fourth place teams play in the EuroCup Women playoffs. The 12 teams that advance carry over results to the second round, which takes place in a roundrobin format against new opponents. The top four teams from each group advance to the play-ins, which determine the teams that advance to the Final Six, a single-elimination tournament to determine the champion.
Teams from: France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Türkiye, Greece, Poland, and Czechia
Dates: September 2025 - April 2026
This week’s team spotlight: Fenerbahce Opet (Türkiye)
If you’re looking for a EuroLeague team to start following, Fenerbache Opet is one to start with The Turkish club is home to multiple WNBA players and international superstars Have a glimpse at part of their roster: Emma Messeman (New York Liberty), Bec Allen (Chicago Sky), Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx), Illiana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries), Monique Billings (Golden State Valkyries), Teaira McCowan (current free agent but previous WNBA appearances with the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings), and of course, recent WNBA champion Megan Gustafson (Las Vegas Aces). There’s more where that came from, so I’ll leave it there for now. Impressive, though isn’t it?
This week’s edition just scratches the surface of the EuroLeague content to come. The vast array of teams and talent that are active and are well worth researching further.
Our Editorial Team.
MAIA WILLIAMSON
LINDEN MOORE MIKE LACEY
Not only can Maia play, coach and commentate basketball - she can also scribe. We are very grateful to have a fully fledged journo on our team and you can look forward to many more insightful articles and features over the months ahead.
Aotearoa really is on the edge of the earth and Linden is going to try and make sure we keep up with the play internationally and especially with what the former Tauihi players are up to now
LANI RAWLE
PLAYER
FEATURE
There are people who know NZ basketball, and then there is Mike Lacey.
A basketball statistician extraordinaire, who offers us the stats and facts we never even knew we needed!
This week, Lani shines the spotlight on a member of the Tauranga Whai - Tayla Dalton In a very cool twist, Lani is a scholarship recipient of the Tania Dalton Foundation - created in the memory of Taylas’ mother.