Following an outstanding Tournament Week performance, the Premier Girls Basketball Team travelled to Nationals in the first week of the holidays. After an impressive Opening Ceremony, the team was eager to test themselves against the country’s best.

A tough opening loss to the Zone 3 runners‑up forced quick adjustments to the speed and intensity of national competition. The second game against Rotorua Girls’ High School was a thriller, with multiple lead changes. Trailing by nine with five minutes remaining, the girls surged back with three consecutive three‑pointers from Zoe Ycay, supported by strong finishing from Vanesah Mapa‑Tupou and Hania Gruszczyk, to secure a five‑point win.

On Day 2, our team faced four-time defending champions Westlake Girls. Although Westlake controlled much of the match, our players showed great determination. Day 3 brought a tough game against Zone 2 Champions Mana College, followed by a must-win contest with St Margaret’s, where fatigue showed. A narrow loss resulted in a three-way tie for 4th, but points differential placed the team last in their pool.

Days 4 and 5 resulted in close defeats to Manukura and Scots College, leading to a 23rd‑place playoff on the last day against St Peter’s, Cambridge. A strong second‑half comeback delivered an exciting 85‑81 victory, marking a proud finish in the school’s first Nationals appearance in over 25 years.

The team represented the school with pride, showing resilience, growth, and a willingness to compete against the country’s best. Although the final placing didn’t fully reflect their effort, the experience proved invaluable. The players now understand the intensity of top‑level competition and are motivated to return stronger in 2027.