Kaipara Youth League Finals
Kaipara Youth League wrapped up for 2025 with some enthralling playoff games. The biggest standout was the development of our newer players. This was highlighted in our playoff for 3rd place in the u12 competition.
The Ruawai Nuggets and the Riptides from Mangawhai - 3rd equal in Youth League Comp U12
The Ruawai Nuggets (Coached by Karina) and the Riptides from Mangawhai (Coached by Pam), concocted an absolute barnburner, with lead changes constant throughout the game. Both teams have grown in confidence, and it has been pleasing to watch their growth. The game finished a draw 20-20, which was a fitting result for two teams putting everything on the line.
The final of the u12 grade was not so close. Coming into the game the Hakaru Hammerheads and Mixed Bag u12’s had shared one win and one loss. However, the Mixed Bag team bombarded Hakaru with 3 pointers from the outset and ran away with the game.
Both teams have played some excellent basketball this year and the future is bright for players in both teams. Cameron McCarthny was the standout in the final orchestrating his team like a maestro.
Mixed Bag U12 (1st place) and the Hakaru Hammerheads (2nd place)
Scores:
3rd/4th Playoff: Ruawai 20 – Riptides 20
Final: Mixed Bag 37 – Hakaru 11
Awards:
Boys Most Valuable Player: Cameron McCarthny
Boys Best Defensive Player: Lucas Fuller
Boys Most Improved Player: Anthony Koloi
Girls Most Valuable Player: Kacey Barnes
Girls Best Defensive Player: Amani Worsfold
Girls Most Improved Player: Ivy Arancibia
Under 14 Final
The u14 competition continued to provide exciting action. The playoff for 3rd between Mixed Bag and Otamatea Oscar was an up and down affair. Both teams playing at a fast pace and moving the ball around. In the end Jackson White was the difference, edging out Noah Pere in their individual battle.
Mixed Bag U14 (3rd place) with Otamatea Oscar (4th place)
The final of the 14’s was an absolute humdinger. Support was vocal on the sideline and both teams played with intensity and passion throughout. It was heart in mouth stuff and there was a real risk to cardiac health as every play felt tense and important.
In the end The Comets edged out N.G.U. by a single point. The NGU team rally lived up to their name, playing hard right to the final whistle. One highlight of this final was the teamwork and effort of both teams. Special mention goes to MVP Manu Martin who had arms everywhere on the court.
The Comets (1st place) with N.G.U (2nd place)
Scores:
3rd/4th Playoff: U14 Mixed Bag 29 - Otamatea Oscar 20
Final: Kaipara Comets 26 - N.G.U 25
Awards:
Boys Most Valuable Player: Manu Martin
Boys Best Defensive Player: Manu Martin
Boys Most Improved Player: Noah Pere
Girls Most Valuable Player: Kacey Barnes
Girls Best Defensive Player: Jessica Nowell
Girls Most Improved Player: India Fenney
