North Canterbury Basketball’s Best Stories from 2020

Article also shared in the 16th December, Northern Outlook, Bumper Edition, Click here

Despite a much disrupted and impacted sporting year due to COVID-19, North Canterbury Basketball Association have managed to have a successful one. They share some of their highlights with us here.

“Season as normal”

With the disruptions of lockdowns and alert levels, how and what sport was available changed. NCBA found a way to deliver all but one of their major competitions and programs, and player numbers have continued to grow massively! The South Island Primary Tournament, due to celebrate its 30^th Anniversary, had to be cancelled but it will be rolled around for 2021.

A highlight of the season has been that over 1000 Tamariki have had the opportunity to play basketball for their primary school, in the ever-popular McDonalds Friday Night Basketball competition.

When Basketball New Zealand were forced to pull the pin on the Under 13 Regional Championships, collaboration with Canterbury Basketball meant they were able to deliver competitions for this younger age group. With a massive focus on development for players, the 2 festival style tournaments were a big hit with parents and players.

NCBA winning a Toyota Highlander for 2020

Covid-19 brought about issues and uncertainty for the North Canterbury Community - especially small businesses. Toyota NZ were offering 100 Toyota Highlanders for a year to help support small businesses and NCBA were lucky enough to win one of these! They’ve been very appreciative of it, and you may have seen it driving around the region. Part of the prize was radio advertising that NCBA utilized on MoreFM.

A huge shout to Toyota NZ and Mediaworks!

NCBA Representation on the Big Stage

2020 was a year of innovation from the New Zealand National Basketball League to get competitions up and running and NCBA was well represented. Former Rangiora High School players Mason Whittaker, Jack Exeter, and Ben Hall all pulled on the red and black Canterbury Rams singlet at the NBL Showdown and 3X3 Cup. Additionally, Gemma Etheredge (nee Hazeldine), made her long-awaited debut for the Canterbury Wildcats at the 18in18 womens’ competition.

Mary Goulding and Helen Mathews were selected to the Tall Ferns squad - this helped jump start Mary to a professional contract in Australia, while Helen is on a USA Div 1 College Basketball Scholarship. NC has also had 6 additional players selected for Junior National Team Camps

2020 saw NCBA Development Manager, George Robinson, recognized for his coaching. He was appointed the New Zealand Junior Tall Ferns Assistant Coach, and Head Coach for the Canterbury Rams 3X3 Team.

McDonalds All Star Basketball Festival Gets Even Bigger!

The 2020 version of the McDonalds All Star Basketball Festival took another leap forward with the addition of a primary school 3X3 Festival prior to the big annual North v South Game. This focus of the day this year was celebrating primary school basketball in our North Canterbury community. Over 100 kids took part in the Festival, and over 400 spectators attended. Big shout out to McDonalds North Canterbury for their ongoing support of the day! 

Keep an eye out on social media for more information and registration information for the 2021 season. 2021 is set to be another big year with the new Mainpower Stadium opening.

NCBA are extremely grateful to all of their sponsors – their continued support keeps their wheels turning – and they are always looking for more help in this area. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved – they’d love to have you on board!

Make sure to follow them on social media @northcanterbury.basketball 

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2021 is rolling around quickly and is set for another big year for NCBA. The cancelled South Island Primary Tournament will have its 30th Anniversary during the April School holidays, while the opening of the new Mainpower Stadium in July/August is an exciting time for the basketball community in NC. 

January sees 2 events to kick us off the for the year! 13-15th January is our Holiday Camp, while the 16th sees us hold our 3X3 Summer Slam

The North Canterbury Basketball Committee and Staff wish you all a Happy Holiday period, and look forward to seeing you courtside in 2021! Our offices will be closed from the 21st December to the 10th of January. 

Article added: Tuesday 15 December 2020