Basketball Team Surges to 4th at Southern Cup

Logan Park boys’ basketball team made a fantastic run at the New Zealand Secondary School Southern Cup Basketball Tournament.

After placing 17th out of 20 last year, our team shattered all expectations to claim a phenomenal 4th place at the Southern Cup. This is more than a trophy; it’s a testament to their incredible skill and determination.

Their journey was nothing short of dominant. They swept every pool match, starting with a powerful 92-44 victory against St Peter’s College. A tough defensive battle against Darfield College resulted in a hard-fought 78-45 win. Day two brought their toughest opponent, Southland Boys’ High School, in a physical game that ended 54-44 in our favor. They secured their spot in the top four with a final pool match win of 91-51 against Kaikorai Valley College.

Stepping onto the center court for the semifinals was a monumental moment. The team showed immense courage against the skilled James Hargest College, despite a 109-71 loss. The battle for third place against Wakatipu High was a nail-biter, with our team showing incredible grit to the very end in a close 74-70 defeat.

This success was a team effort. Standout players included Tobi Gardner with his stellar defensive stats, while Year 13s Jay Thomson, Thom Field, Xander Gosling, Finn Dixon-Stewart, Mateo Costa Barnett, and Hunter Burgess all delivered key performances. Dustin Hayward’s shooting skills, including a stunning three-pointer in the final moments of the bronze medal game, were crucial. The Year 11s also shone, with Zac Ballie as a top scorer and super subs Zack Dyson and Jo O’Sullivan-Naito scoring valuable points and showcasing their defence abilities by disrupting the opposition on multiple occasions. 

Note from the coaches: 

What a fantastic team effort and a perfect way to finish a successful basketball season.  A big thanks to Frankie for all the communication during the season as well as organising us for the tournament. A massive amount of work behind the scenes so on behalf of the team, Jase and Aaron we thank you Frankie!