Porirua Heat’s women and under-18 girls are HoopNation champions after winning tight finals to cap an 11-team trip to Tauranga.
The women beat Wana-tū 34–30 in their elite final, while the under-18 girls edged Grind Elite 56–53 to secure their title on Labour Day, Monday 26 October.
The victories led the results for the Porirua contingent, with the men also reaching the elite final and the under-12 and under-14 boys making elite semi-finals.
At Mercury Baypark, the women’s and under-18 girls’ finals were scheduled for the same time on separate courts. Both Heat sides finished the afternoon as champions.
The men had booked their place in the decider with the narrowest of wins, beating NOX 38–37 in their semi-final. Their final against Feilding-Oroua Jokers brought a 41–34 defeat and a runners-up finish.
The club’s younger boys also featured on the final day. The under-12 side lost its elite semi-final 52–35 to Tū Tangata, while the under-14 boys went down 59–39 to the same club.
Held from 23 to 26 October, the tournament brought youth and adult teams together across elite, development and social divisions.
Heat’s travelling contingent represented a club that has served greater Porirua since 2012. Founded by local families, including Luana and Nixon Penese, the not-for-profit club was set up to give people in the community opportunities to learn and play basketball.
Its coaches and administrators volunteer their time, supporting players from their first introduction to the game through to tournament competition.
Image source: HoopNation.