Defending champs off to good start

Waimea College made the perfect start to their title defence with two opening-day wins at the South Island senior secondary schoolgirls' basketball tournament in Nelson.

The secondary schools AA tournament, for schools with roles over 300 single-sex or 600 coed, involves 10 teams divided into two pools, with yesterday's opening rounds played at Saxton Stadium.

Waimea scored decisive wins over Ashburton College (70-45) and Christchurch GHS (85-25) to remain the only unbeaten team in pool one. Summer Roberts, Jaunita Thomson and Katie Adamson stood out for Waimea.

However, in pool two Nelson College for Girls suffered two losses, beaten by Cashmere (46-65) and Marlborough Girls College (32-64).

Without New Zealand Junior Tall Fern Shannon Perrett (out injured), the side is struggling at guard and coach Mike Perrett has limited options with his players committing too many fouls.

In pool two, Marlborough Girls College are the only unbeaten team after two rounds.

- © Fairfax NZ News