They beat Waitaki Girls’ High Wildfire 58-41 last weekend.
The game was tied at 11-all after the first quarter, but Maheno opened up a lead in the middle two quarters.
A strong finish from Waitaki Girls’ to tie the fourth quarter was not enough to come back as Maheno got the job done.
Maheno co-coaches Sonya Macdonald and Nicki Paterson were pleased with the performance, although Macdonald said the score did not do the game justice for how tight it was.
"I’d actually say it was a 60-minute grind, really.
"I actually don’t think the score gave credit to Waitaki Girls’ because they were certainly very formidable on court."
Sticking to the game plan was a key factor in getting the win, she said.
"We went into the game with a few strategies against Waitaki [Girls’] and that was really nice to see — the girls really tried to put those into play throughout the game and that probably paid off in the end."
The positive vibe around the team had helped their early season success.
"Nicki and I are really enjoying being a part of the Maheno team.
"We’re all having fun out there and I think the girls have grown in their strengths — their different areas — week to week, and when they put it all out on the court it’s really rewarding to see."
This year’s competition is tight at the top as while Maheno are in first place, they are just one point ahead of both Valley Manawa and St Kevin’s College.
Those two sides went head-to-head in round five as well, with St Kevin’s knocking off the previously unbeaten Valley Manawa 53-48.
The college side trailed by one heading into the final quarter and were able to hold their nerve for an impressive victory.
Athletic beat Valley Ahi 50-38 and Twizel got the better of Valley Kaha 35-29 in a close game to finish the round.
This weekend, Maheno take on Valley Manawa in a top-of-the-table clash, while St Kevin’s and Valley Ahi go head-to-head in another top match-up.
Athletic will take on Twizel and Waitaki Girls’ will play Valley Kaha to round out tomorrow's fixtures.
