The Southern Hoiho appear to have moved on from their early-season coaching disruptions.
Both players and staff have indicated they have put the departure of former head coach Charles Nix behind them, backing that up with a win on court in Natalie Visger’s first game as official head coach.
They will look to continue that against an unbeaten Northern Kahu team in Auckland tonight.
Hoiho general manager Angela Ruske confirmed to the Otago Daily Times on Thursday last week that Nix’s contract had been terminated.
It followed a two-week stretch in which he had returned home to Perth — family reasons was the official line — following Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa’s opening weekend.
Indications had been that Nix would return for last week’s game against the Tokomanawa Queens.
However, that was flipped when it was decided it was ‘‘in the best interests of the team’’ to terminate his contract.
Ruske was unable to provide more detail around the situation, although looked forward to supporting Visger in the head coach role.
Hoiho captain Samara Gallaher did not wish to comment on the situation.
She said the team had moved on and was happy to have Visger in charge.
Nix also did not wish to comment when contacted yesterday by the Otago Daily Times, although said he wished the team the best.
The disruption lingered in the background, as the Hoiho endured a six-game losing streak to open the season.
That ended with Visger’s first game as permanent head coach, as the team claimed a 60-52 win over the Mid North Whai at the Edgar Centre on Sunday.
It was a performance that had Visger’s influence stamped throughout.
A long, and perhaps unconventional, line-up switch proved a masterstroke late in the first quarter and into the second.
The Hoiho had languished at 18-6 — having given up 16 consecutive points — but came back into the game through that next period.
Her control was evident late in the game too, her making key tactical substitutions and guiding the team calmly home as it took a late lead.
Import swingman Laina Snyder was once again pivotal with 21 points, while Zoe Richards’ return to the starting line-up has coincided with the Tall Fern rediscovering her mojo.
The Hoiho excelled defensively.
It is not the first time it has done that and, aside from some poor patches, this Hoiho team has generally been difficult for opponents to score against.
The Kahu found that in its first match against the Hoiho, as it managed just 50 points, but was able to hold the Hoiho to 46.
In their second meeting, an at times brutal encounter in Auckland, the Hoiho again went close — although came up short 81-76.
On that occasion it was without Snyder for the final minutes, the star American having fallen hard after a collision, leaving her unable to be cleared to return to the court.
That will give the Hoiho confidence to back up their first win, showing they are capable of competing with a Kahu team that is unbeaten through seven matches.
The Hoiho will be without forward Bronwyn Kjestrup, who has work commitments, while guard Janet Maoate-Breen will miss the game through illness.
Tip-off is at 7pm.
Tauihi Basketball
Auckland, tonight, 7pm
Hoiho: Laina Snyder, Shelby Cheslek, Tori Dugan, Samara Gallaher, Zoe Richards, Olivia O’Neill, Nicole Ruske, Tyler Mitchell, Aleisha Ruske.
Kahu: Tahlia Tupaea, Krystal Leger-Walker, Micaela Cocks, Marte Grays, Madison Wolf, Olivia Berry, Jaycin Tini, Ashleigh Kelman-Poto, Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu, Akiene-Tera Reed.
