The New Plymouth Exchange is always a highly anticipated and competitive fixture on the school calendar and today was no different.
Both teams hit the court running, but it was PNBHS who were on the board first and were soon up 7 – 3. New Plymouth didn’t take long to hit back with a couple of handy 3-point shots to put them out in front. PNBHS were putting up a few more shots, but to our dismay, were not falling the right way. By the end of the first quarter, both teams looked pretty even, and the scoreboard confirmed the fact with the game in deadlock at 18 – 18.
It was early in the second quarter that New Plymouth took things up a level. Their shots were on, and it was not long before we found ourselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. A 2-point difference soon became 4, then 7. At one point we found ourselves down 10 and a time-out was called. A quick rallying of the troops and a reminder that there was no need to panic, and to reset the mindset. Don’t force things, enjoy the game and do what you know you are capable of. A few specifics were discussed and with 4 minutes to go in the half, there was plenty of time to chip our way back in the game. Cooper Ohlson worked hard, putting another 6 points on the board and Griffyn Kapao finishing the quarter with 2 from 2 free throws. We had chipped away at our deficit, but we ended the half down by four, with the score now at 31 – 35. Kairangi had worked hard at the boards, but was in some foul trouble, on 3.
We knew we had to start the 2nd half with more purpose and make every shot count. We had to deny New Plymouth second-chance shots and put more pressure on their offense. We wanted this win, and we knew we could take it.
Our boys on the bench were instrumental in lifting the spirits and the energy of the boys on the court because our boys came out firing on all cylinders. Cooper Ohlson opened the points with a lovely drive through the middle. Captain, Campbell Woolley used his height to our advantage, securing crucial rebounds then drawing a foul on his successful shot to add 3 points to our total. Kalem Tanoa and Kaleb McDonald had obviously stoked their fire at half-time, showing real hunger through mid-court and finishing things off where it counted, adding 8 points and 6 points respectively, with Campbell adding a further 4 points to his earlier 3. Our defense was on point in this quarter, restricting New Plymouth to 18 points to our 26. The score going into the final was 57 – 53. The game was very much in the balance.
The final quarter was a nail-biter – for all concerned. We played the first 7 minutes of the quarter with high intensity. Griffyn was on form, terrorizing the opposition through the mid-court, creating a lot of turnover ball, and capitalizing at our end of the court. We had increased our lead 76 – 63 when New Plymouth called a time-out. We knew they were desperate to slow our momentum and we had to do everything we could to prevent that from happening. A succession of fouls against us saw the New Plymouth boys chip away 1 point at a time, and with one minute to go, there were only 2 baskets in it. All we had to do was hold on, but we couldn’t give anything away. Their shooting was solid, and a few of their players were handy on the boundary – we did not want a repeat of Hastings. The tension in the air was immense as the seconds counted down. An incredible steal from Griffyn in the final seconds that, for the third time in the game, had Griffyn score the final points in the quarter.
Relief and elation rang out both from the bench and the grandstand, as our PNBHS Premier team took the win 82 – 78.
We wish to thank the New Plymouth Boys’ High School team for being quality competitors and fantastic young men to billet. Our parents who welcomed these boys into their homes spoke highly of them. To our supporters – a huge thank you for your many words of encouragement online and on the sideline. To our referees, Craig and Bethany for giving up your personal time to officiate the game and the Arena staff who make this all possible.
Finally, to our sponsors, Scafit, Property Brokers, Proegear, and Insurance & Mortgage Networks, thank you for your generous support.
