Best game
82-75 win v Tokomanawa Queens
So many to choose from here, but that opening game was a catalyst for the rest of the season. Paige Bradley met her team-mates less than 12 hours before, Ashten Prechtel bagged the league’s first 25-22 double-double, Zoe Richards proved her development, Ahlise Hurst showed what she had from deep and Samara Gallaher was the wise head to keep the team moving. All five starters finished on double figures. You really got the feeling this group was in for something special — and a big turnaround from last year. The 75-74 comeback against Mainland Pouakai 75-74 also springs to mind and the dominant 82-76 display against Northern Kahu.
Worst game
102-62 loss v Mainland Pouakai
Not much to say here. Tough, tough outing with some key personnel missing. Struggled without height and nothing really to take from that game.
Rapid League game
33-26 win v Whai
Saved the best for last. Tyler Mitchell banged down a late triple to send the game into overtime, a first for the season. They then kept the Whai scoreless in the additional minute to win 33-26. Jen O’Connell cemented her spot in the Rapid All-star Five with eight points and 18 rebounds.
Ashten Prechtel
Hard to look past the league’s MVP. Made a statement from her opening game and just got better and better as the season went.
Dominant in all aspects across the court, leading to her being named as as league’s MVP and in the All-star Five. She led the competition for defensive rebounds (109) and blocks (27), was second for offensive rebounds (41) and fourth for second-chance points (43). She finished with 194 points for the season. Sport proved again it can be so cruel when she was ruled out of the last few games of the season with a foot injury. Fingers crossed she returns.
Most improved player
Zoe Richards
The Tall Fern showed just how much her game had grown playing in Luxembourg during the offseason. Aggressive to the hoop, picked up some big rebounds, developed great connections with point guard Paige Bradley and always put her body on the line. Has developed into the full package and really deserved her most improved player in the league accolade.
Best individual performance
Ashten Prechtel v Whai
While the Hoiho may have lost this one, Prechtel was unstoppable. She did everything she could to get her team across the line, finishing on 26 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Ahlise Hurst’s season-best performance of 32 points, including eight triples, in the semifinal is one to remember too.
