U13 Central Zone Regional Results

For an Under 13 Regional age group competition, the Central Zone Competition certainly felt like a national championship as 30+ teams flooded the doors of the Walter Nash Centre in Lower Hutt.

With three boys grades and two girls grades, basketball fans, parents and supporters were in for a treat over the four days of action. The action packed week featured many close games, with some having to go to double overtime to decide.

Hosts Hutt Valley were unlucky to make the final after taking on Wellington in what was a fairly one sided game, but managed to give Hawke's Bay a run for their money in the Girls 3rd/4th A grade. Hawke's Bay slipped away in the end to finish 3rd by 10 points. Taranaki Girls gave Wellington a rather uncontested final, going down 62-30.

The boys A grade went down in similar fashion, with Hutt Valley taking on Taranaki in their 3rd/4th Playoff. The game, which was officiated by Summer Series Referee Daphne Martinez, ended up going into overtime, as the teams couldn't find a winner at the end of the 4th quarter. Hutt Valley pulled ahead in the final stages of the game, winning 62-60 in what was undoubtedly the game of the day. Wellington went down in a 24-60 blowout in favour of Hawke's Bay.

In the boys B grade Grand Final, Summer Series Referee Emily Smith was given the whistle in what would see Hawke's Bay B take on Taranaki Country in a heavily contested match. The scores were even throughout the game, but Hawke's Bay let the game slip in the last quarter, seeing Taranaki Country take the win 55-63.

Tawa College Boys team member Malachi Collins also managed to pick up a whistle during the tournament. Well done to him for giving officiating a go.

Congratulations to all the teams that entered and took part, and congratulations to our Summer Series officials who did exceptionally well this tournament.

U13 Central Region Officials:

Daphne Martinez ('A' Boys 3rd/4th Playoff Official)
Emily Smith ('B' Boys Final Official)