Women basketballers have title chance

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33941, 6 September 1975, Page 4

Women basketballers have title chance

The Canterbury women’s basketball team might well prove to be the “dark horse” of the New Zealand championship tournament, which will be held at Auckland from September 8 to 13 inclusive.

It has made impressive progress under its new coach, Mr Paul Trass, this season and is clearly capable of matching the top teams in the country for the first time in many years.

Already it has gained wins over the defending national champion side, Otago, and Nelson, expected to be two of the leading contenders for overall victory at Auckland. Canterbury, slightly below strength, was in turn beaten by both in the South Island championship but its earlier performances gave an indication of the heights to which it could rise.

It will be at full (strength again next week, ■ and with the former New I Zealand representative I forward, Sharon Rennell, ' as captain, should at least give a very' good account of itself. Mrs Rennell has been in fine form this season. The passing of the years has in no way blunted her considerable basketball skills.

Canterbury’s strength under the boards will come from Mary Fastier, who is sft Ilin tall and one of the best rebounders in the country. She is only in her second season with the Canterbury team but has represented New Zealand in an allied sport, volleyball, since 1972.

Another good reboun-

der is Sally South, who has represented New Zealand at under 18 level. She also shoots well from outside.

Two other young players have been named for New Zealand under age teams — Patsy Hinkley and Kay Adamson. Miss Hinkley is one of the most promising young players in the province. She has a good long set shot but can drive equally well. She is certain to play' a leading role in Canterbury's fortunes next week and national senior honours cannot be far away.

Miss Adamson is a good enough player to be included in the starting lineup but she is so effective coming off the bench that Mr Trass is almost certain to use her as his first substitute.

Denise Mackay, Kathy Blain, Jocelyn Douglas, Brenda Thompson and Sharon Constable are the other members of the tournament team. An aggressive guard who shoots well from most positions, Miss Thompson has been a vital member of Canterbury teams since 1970. Miss Blajn represented Otago in 1972 and again last year before moving to Christchurch but she is perhaps better known for her prowess on the volleyball court. She has played for New Zealand since 1972.

Canterbury has been drawn against New Plymouth, Auckland, Nelson, South Auckland and Wellington in the first section. The second section contains Otago, Hutt Valley, Newcastle, Hamilton, Napier and North Shore.