31/08/2026
Last week, our ŌPS Thunder Basketball team had their last game of the session. And what an amazing game they had! They showed such commitment, grit and teamwork. Here is the match report from coach Charlie Savage. Enjoy the read; it's like you are there on the court with them!
They say “save the best for last” and that pretty much sums up the completion of our season.
Once again, we just scraped enough numbers to take to the court for our final game. However, like last week, we knew that if we could control the game by slowing the ball down and strategically using ball and body positioning to get us down the court on attack, avoiding breakaways at all costs to conserve our energy, and playing one-on-one smothering defence, we would have a fighting chance.
There was no “feeling out” process this week. From the first tip-off, I could tell the entire team was locked in and ready to go!
Despite BC having the majority of the ball in the first quarter, our stoic defence, led by our enforcer Kaylee, limited their shooting opportunities. With purposeful drives from Harrison and Alaska, we were able to capitalise at the other end of the court with our sharp shooters Grace and Anika, ending the first quarter slightly ahead at 6–4.
During the break, the entire team were in the zone as we reminded each other to play our game, slow that ball down and smother their attack.
BC came out swinging in the second quarter. They tried to push our girls around and made some impressive drives to the hoop. They also found a gap down the court and managed to capitalise, bringing the score to 10–10 at the end of the second quarter.
During the break, I challenged the team not to take a step back when it came to the physicality of the opposition. If they wanted this, they were going to have to earn it.
Once again, BC came out swinging as they tried to manhandle Kaylee and take the ball from her. Unfortunately for BC, Kaylee tore that ball back with such ferocity that it ignited the whole team. They fought for every ball with intensity and purpose and, despite us camping BC in their own half for what seemed like an eternity, BC still had a one-point advantage at the end of the quarter, 14–15 and with the supporters voices of encouragement staying to rise with this intense arm wrestle
In the final huddle, we identified their long-range passes, so we designated one player to remain back and slow the play down. Our stalwart Alaska was starting to have trouble with her shoulder again, so we changed her focus to be less aggressive and more supportive. The rest of our game plan remained the same.
I have to say, I was completely perplexed by what happened in that final quarter.
For some strange reason, the injury somehow ignited something in Alaska. She came out and completely dominated everyone she came up against, throwing her body at every loose ball there was.
Harrison our selfless leader who leads by example. Harry was an absolute menace, making his presence felt across the whole court.
Kaylee must have had a twin on the court because she was everywhere! She dominated the turnovers and rebounds, and not one of the BC boys could get that ball from her.
Although Grace has always been our constant sharp shooter, she moved around the court with grace and really stepped up her defensive game, pressuring the opposition, forcing multiple mistakes and capitalising with her signature accuracy.
Anika — I have put so much pressure on her lately, and last night she really did put a complete performance together. A pest on defence, a rebound specialist and then maximising at the other end of the court with some pinpoint shooting.
Our team played as a complete unit in that final quarter, and for the first time this season, the score truly reflected their effort.
We kept BC at bay and they did not score a single point in the final quarter.
When the final whistle blew and with the roar of the crowd the score was 26–15 to Tui Thunder.
Team, this brings our Basketball season to a close. A season that has, left us nursing injuries and at times, tested our character and resilience. Through all of this, I have seen this entire team grow, both individually and as a team.
They have gained so much confidence and belief in themselves, and I feel very blessed to have been on this little journey with them.
Thank you, parents, for your trust and pitching in and helping. I really do appreciate the busy lives we all live!
And one final time...
Salute Tui Thunder!
