Standout performances from teen basketballers Yasmin Larry and Jorja Abernethy have helped Ashburton College girls basketball side finish in the top 20 of the national championship.
Larry led the way for the college at the Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships in Palmerston North, averaging just over 21 points per game and proved difficult for opposition to contain, while Abernethy added consistent scoring both on the break and from beyond the arc, averaging more than 10 points per game.
Teacher in charge Andrew Shepherd said via a statement that the week-long tournament was a step forward for the college’s basketball, as the team’s performances showcased the region’s depth of talent and their ability to compete on the national stage.
Coached by Summer Anderson and Geoffrey Chapman the team finished in 17th place with a strong run of results, he said.
‘‘Drawn in a tough Pool D, Ashburton came up against some of the top basketball schools in New Zealand,’’ Shepherd said.
‘‘Despite the challenging opposition, the team showed determination and grit in each match up, going down to Tauranga Girls’ College (65 – 108), who went on to place third overall, Saint Kentigern College (37 – 74), who finished fourth, Takapuna Grammar School (53 – 77), and Kaiapoi High School (63 – 77).’’
He said the side responded positively in the 17th – 20th playoff bracket, producing three convincing victories to close out the tournament on a high.
Ashburton defeated Manukura 73 – 53, St Peter’s School of Cambridge 70 – 29, and St Mary’s College of Auckland 81- 64.
The results secured 17th place overall and highlighted the team’s ability to regroup and improve as the week progressed.
‘‘Ashburton had several standout performers across the week,’’ he said.
‘‘Forward Yasmin Larry led the way, averaging just over 21 points per game and proving difficult for the opposition to contain in the paint. Jorja Abernethy added consistent scoring both on the break and from beyond the arc, averaging more than 10 points per game, while promising year 11 guard Tia Double stepped up impressively at point guard.
“With the team’s regular starter, Lucy Pearce, sidelined by injury at the South Island Tournament, Double adapted quickly to the role, handling the pressure well and contributing seven points per game.’’
Shepherd said he was grateful to the team’s coaches and managers, as well as the parents, supporters, and local businesses whose backing helped make the team’s campaign possible.
