Basketball New Zealand

Basketball New Zealand

The New Zealand boy’s team improved to 2-0 on day two of the Australia Under-16 National Championships in Kalamunda, West Australia, on Sunday.

Kirk Rangiawha scored 20 points, including 3-of-5 on three-point attempts, as the Kiwis defeated West Australia Metro 89-53 in round two, joining Victoria Country as the remaining undefeated teams in pool B.

NZ took advantage from the opening tip, taking a 17-point lead after the first quarter and extending that to 24 points by halftime, then finishing out the game strongly with a 27-16 fourth period.

James Ashby provided 14 points and nine rebounds, Michael Karena 13 points and five rebounds and Elliot Noble 11 points and four assists.

It was a different story for the New Zealand girl’s team, falling to their second straight loss, 85-48 to Queensland South on Sunday.

Aleesha Coulter top-scored with 15 points and three steals as NZ trailed by eight after the first period and 11 at halftime, before a 24-7 third quarter put the game well out of reach. It leaves the team at 0-2 with WA Country in pool B.

Also for New Zealand, Shannon Perrett added 10 points and seven rebounds, Georgia Agnew 10 points and five steals and Marlia Lisala grabbed 11 boards.

The Kiwi boys meet winless Northern Territory (0-1) in round three and Queensland North (0-1) in round four on Monday, while the Kiwi girls will look to get their first win against New South Wales Metro (2-0).