WOMEN'S INDOOR BASKETBALL

Te Ao Hou, May 1957, Page 57

WOMEN'S INDOOR BASKETBALL by Nola Waterhouse I would like to draw your attention to the game of Indoor Basketball. This game is played by both men and women and is ideally suited to our Maori people. This article deals with the women's game which is developing quite rapidly. The game produces a good team spirit besides developing individual talents such as quick thinking, fast movements, skill at ball handling and the ability to weave and dodge besides the enjoyment of participating in a rapidly spreading fast, clean sport. A typical example of some of our Maori people who take or who have taken an active part in this sport is May Smith of Auckland many times New Zealand representative and one of the most outstanding players in the country. May is still playing and her generalship is responsible for the Auckland team's run of successes in the past few years. This woman has developed an unorthodox hook shot that would be the envy of many a man player. Other well known players from Auckland are June Waititi, a fast, accurate shooting forward prominent at the last National Tournament, and Vi Harrison. When this player is on her shooting she is deadly from any position under the basket. One of the Wellington players who has contributed to the sport on a National basis is Mahi Potiki many times a Wellington representative guard who has also taken part in the administrative side of the sport. Among the players coming on is Hinea Hikitapua who if she makes the progress expected should develop into a first class player. At the moment there are a great many Maori girls in the B Grade teams in various centres, one of which Rotorua won the B Grade title in the last National tournament. As these B Grade players develop their skill they must ultimately reach A Grade honours and could worthily represent their Association at the National Tournaments. From a spectator's point of view this game has much to recommend it. Spectators can derive keen enjoyment from watching two teams in fast, clean sport that gives the players physical and mental fitness of a very high order. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆