Taranaki Thunder on regional path

 

Will Johnston

Providing a genuine pathway for female basketballers is the driving force behind the Taranaki Thunder’s inclusion in the game’s smaller format.  

Taranaki is locked into November’s Shick New Zealand 3x3 competition for the next three years and plays Northland, Auckland, North Harbour, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.  

Taranaki campaign manager Bex Langton said the ultimate goal is to have a side back in the NBL league in the next three years. 

The team, coached by Josh Reeves, will provide a pathway between club and regional basketball. 

Langton said New Zealand Basketball has been very accommodating when funding proved to be a problem for Taranaki. 

“The National Basketball League (NBL) has supplied our 3x3 uniforms and all flights and accommodation are covered by the league, which has enabled us to enter this competition.” 

She said naming rights sponsor Platinum Homes covered the entry fee and the team was also supported by Basketball Taranaki.  

“It’s an exciting development for basketball in Taranaki.” 

The Thunder features a mix of experience and youth with Isabella Cook, Teghan Omelvena-Ngatai and reserve player Raquel Sampson all in their teens.  

Cook is also a New Zealand age group player in the 5x5 format and a tournament team member in the 2019 AA Secondary Schools National Championships representing Sacred Heart Girls’ College. She was also a member of the Opunake High School secondary school 2016 and 2017 championship teams and was MVP in the latter tournament.  

Other members of the squad are New Zealand and Taranaki netball representative Vanessa Weir and Jenna Kensington, who are in their 30s, Langton said.  

“All players can drive hard to the basket and shoot the long ball. They’re excellent defenders who play with grit and determination.” 

Langton said the timing of the 3x3 event, which will be held just before the start of NCEA exams, influenced the selection. 

“So that ruled out players like Caitlin O’Connell (NZ rep), up-and-comer Lauren Tewhata.  Joellen How, who is on a scholarship in the USA and is stuck here due to Covid, wasn’t released by her school to play. She would have been an outstanding asset to the team.” 

A lack of funding, which caused Taranaki’s withdrawal from the NBL and instead enter the D-league (Division 2), remains a problem. 

“This was impacted by Covid and the tournament was unable to take place. The NBL’s modified 18 in 18 competition is taking place.” 

She said the team has the  backing of several sponsors including Platinum Homes, Bayleys Real Estate, R & Co Skin and Beauty, Brougham Heights Hotel, New Plymouth Physiotherapy and Hawera Glass and Panel.  

“Platinum Homes have offered us the opportunity for any house that is signed up where the purchases mention the Taranaki Thunder, they will donate us $10,000 per house,” Langton said.  

The Taranaki Mountainairs will also field a team in the competition.  

The draw is still to be released but matches will be broadcast on Sky Sport.  

NBL Schick 3X3 Cup, 12 - 14 November, ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill:

Men: Auckland Huskies, Nelson Giants, Canterbury Rams, Otago Nuggets, Taranaki Airs, Southland Sharks, Manawatu Jets, Franklin Bulls, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Invitational Team.
Women: Harbour Breeze, Otago Gold Rush, Auckland Dream, Taranaki Thunder, Northland Phoenix, Canterbury Wildcats, Bay of Plenty Blaze, Waikato Wizards, Capital Swish, Invitational Team.