Premier Boys Basketball team reach Central-East finals
Posted on August 15, 2024
The Macleans College Premier Boys Basketball team transitioned into the 2024 season with six returning team members and five new players.
Led by captain Jamie Carville (Snell House) and vice-captain Asher Langley (Snell), the veteran group of boys included Louis Nelson (Upham), Declan Puffy (Mansfield), Quinn Hakaraia (Snell) and Japman Sodhi (Mansfield).
New, enthusiastic and dedicated first year players included Charlie Martin (Upham), Caleb Mendoza (Upham), Suli Aziz (Mansfield), Chichi Zhang (Snell) and Minh Nguyen (Te Kanawa).
Coached by first-year head coach and former student Michael Babaran (Batten House 2015 - 2019) and assistant Steve Duncan, the aim of this group was to finish top two in the Central-East division and book their ticket to the Greater Auckland Championships.
The boys’ first three fixtures were away games against King's College, Tamaki College and Dilworth School in which they would win the first two games 61-36 and 71-47 but would lose 35-45 to Dilworth School. With the next two games at home, the boys were persistent in remaining undefeated at home throughout the season. They would win 49-43 vs Elim College and 72-29 vs One Tree Hill College. Finishing the homestand 2-0, the Premier boys team were now heading to rivals Glendowie College, but would lose 40-37.
With two home games to finish the regular season, the team defeated rivals Howick College 52-41 and Sacred Heart College 51-27 to finish the regular season 6-2, securing second place and a home fixture for the semi-final in the second week of Term 3.
Heading into Term 3, the boys versed King’s College in the home semi-final with the ticket to the Greater Auckland Championships just around the corner. With their captain Jamie recovered from injury, the team was back in 100% shape, winning the semi-final 53-36. This resulted in the boys finishing the season undefeated at home with a record of 5-0, but also securing a ticket to a finals match and to the Greater Auckland Championships. Once again the defense played a pivotal role with King’s College only scoring nine points in the second half.
The finals match between Macleans College and Dilworth College ended the season in defeat losing 47-41. Whilst the result remains disappointing, the boys can keep their heads high finishing the season 7-3 overall, and with the Greater Auckland Championships being played on Friday 16 August the goal is to now come top two in Auckland and to secure a relegation game in 2025 versus a Senior A opponent.
Thank you to Miss Field who managed and transported players to and from games, assistant coach Steve Duncan who volunteered to help coach alongside head coach Michael Babaran. Thank you also to Mr Sibson and the Macleans College Sports Department, along with the support from parents and fellow students throughout the entire season.
