Tall Ferns medal as Ella Fotu returns to the court

Ella Fotu and the 3x3 Tall Ferns claimed silver at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore over the weekend.

Returning to competitive basketball after a 12-month layoff due to injury Ella was prominent throughout. 

She had 5 points and 5 rebounds in the 15-14 quarter-final win against Japan then 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the 16-15 semi-final success against Chinese Taipei before the team went down to Australia (18-13) in the gold medal game.

At the same tournament Chris McIntosh and the 3x3 Tall Blacks had to settle for fourth place after a 21-11 semi-final loss to Iran followed by a 21-18 defeat at the hands of Iran in the bronze medal game.

Still on the international front Junior Tall Ferns head coach Josh Thompson has selected 22 of New Zealand’s top young female athletes to attend an U18 National Team selection camp – to be held on the North Shore from 3-5 May. The three Harbour reps named are Jess Moors, Amy Pateman and Zenthia Stowers.

The Junior Tall Ferns will play at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, in Shenzhen, China from 24-30 June with the goal of finishing in the top four - and advancing to the FIBA U19 World Cup in 2025.

Oversees Professional Players

Sam Mennenga had his best performance to date in his short stay with Karditsas in the Greek League. On 8 from 9 shooting Sam scored 22 points as Karditsas got the better of Lavrio winning 95-88.

Matt Freeman landed three triples on his way to 17 points and 8 rebounds as Craiova beat Targu Jiu in Rumanian League action.

James Moors tallied 13 points (6/7 shooting) and 7 rebounds as Leeuwarden lost 85-71 to Leuven in Dutch League play.

Brayden Inger also produced 13 points and 7 rebounds as Hemel Storm went down 100-78 to Essex Raiders in a British NBL contest. 

Ella Fotu’s brother Isaac scored 9 points as Tochigi Brex downed Sea Horses Mikawa 89-81 for an 18th consecutive win and an overall record of 41-7 in the Japanese League.

Sal’s National Basketball League

There is a big opportunity to see NBL basketball live on Thursday night when Auckland Tuatara entertain Taranaki Airs at Eventfinda Stadium.

The Rapid League game begins at 6.30pm with the NBL encounter commencing at 7.30pm.

On show for the Tuatara will be an array of former and current Harbour reps - Rob Loe, Corey Webster, Reuben Fitzgerald, Chris McIntosh, Josh Wyllie, Jameer Reed and Aaron Sievert.




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