Magic only unbeaten side - Week 5

Invercargill Magic remain the only unbeaten team across the Men’s and Women’s A Grade competitions last night, banking a fifth consecutive win over close rival Rip City, 116-94.

Without Connor Coll who was laid low by illness, Magic were able to call on the services of Southland Sharks’ training partner Josiah Laracy in his debut for the men in blue who proved a constant presence on the boards and dropped 26 points to fill the scoring production in the absence of Coll. Mac Stodart also had his way inside finishing with a team high 30 with Andrew Wheeler adding 23.

Rip City got large contributions from Sharks squad members Tom Cowie (33) and Quake Webster (31) with Ryan Gutsell adding 18 from beyond the arc.

Southland Boys High came from a double digit deficit to finish over the top of the Northeast Ballers 84-70.

Cody Stevens again impressed for Boys High with 29 to go with Caleb Williams’ 18 and Mack Raines’ 15 as the students outscored the Ballers 54-32 in the second half.

Jarrod O’Connor and Mitchel Robinson both had 19 for the Ballers with Ethan Mitchell finishing with 15.

The Turbos scored at will in their 125-47 blitz of MPMW Harleys Whero. The Turbos had 77 by halftime before mercifully taking their foot off the gas. Morgan Waihirere had a round-high 37 including eleven 3-pointers, including a remarkable seven in the first quarter alone. Joel Fleck was just as productive, dropping 36 with Daniel Rautahi adding 17.

Jacob Taare top-scored on a tough night for Whero with 12 with Matthew Andrews’ 11 the only other player to reach double figures.

Kelvin Hotel Xmen were made to work hard for the points, eventually out-lasting MPMW Harleys Pango 80-66. Pango took a lead into the first break and only trailed by five at the half before Xmen rode a 23-8 third quarter to bank a fourth win of the season and jump back into second on the table.

Tyler Hawke paced the Xmen with yet another 30-piece on the night, finishing with 33 while Isaac Riwhi, Matt Randall and Jeremy Hamilton all contributed double digits. Braden Cole led the scoring for Pango with 17 with Ricardo Henry adding four three-pointers for his 12.

In the Women’s A Grade, Razzmatazz and James Hargest went down to the final seconds in a tight tussle. Kiana Collett played a game-saving hand in the final quarter for Hargest with eight of her team-high 13 coming in the final period, including two big three-pointers.

With the scores tied at 60-60 inside the final minute, Laura Jackson hit a clutch free-throw to put her school in front by one and a late stop saw James Hargest move to 3-1 on the season.

Tyra Dunn turned in the women’s scoring performance of the week with 32 in a losing effort, to go with Karlee Cruickshank’s 15 for Razzmatazz.

Meanwhile Sparks were always in control against Kelvin Hotel Rogues, running out 75-47 victors. Morgan Hunter paced the Sparks with 20 to go with Lucy Kean and Jen O’Connell’s 14 each. Sarah Hamilton led the way for Rogues with 23 with Renee Cameron and Patrice Spencer-Humm adding 10 each.

POINT TABLES (After Week 5)

MEN'S STANDINGS (Points +/-)

Magic 5-0 (+176)

Xmen 4-1 (+70)

Rip City 3-2 (+91)

The Turbos 2-1 (+99)

SBHS 2-1 (+35)

Northeast Ballers 2-3 (+20)

Pango 1-4 (-181)

Whero 0-5 (-200)

WOMEN'S STANDINGS (Points +/-)

Sparks 3-1 (+65)

James Hargest 3-1 (+5)

Rogues 2-2 (-23)

Eastern Dev 2-2 (-12)

Razzmatazz 0-4 (-35)