Young basketballers bag Mainland title

The Marlborough under-16 A boys’ basketball team are Mainland champions.

In mid-July the Marlborough Basketball Association sent five rep sides south to the U16 Mainland Championships at Parakiore Recreation Centre in Christchurch.

All teams performed creditably, but the boys A team excelled, being crowned the 2026 Mainland Champions.

The boys competed against 16 teams from across the South Island and put together a series of outstanding performances. Their defensive intensity, teamwork, and determination carried them all the way to the championship game against South Canterbury Black.

South Canterbury raced to a 14–2 lead, but Mason Ewing and Oliver Barclay helped settle the Marlborough side and by the end of the first quarter they had fought their way back into the contest, trailing just 25-29.

The momentum continued to swing in Marlborough's favour in the second quarter. Led by Jai Cootes, who scored 13 points in the period, the boys went into halftime holding a 54–47 advantage.

The game remained tight throughout the second half. Entering the fourth quarter, Marlborough had edged ahead 79–78, but South Canterbury responded with 12 consecutive points and, with less than a minute remaining, Marlborough trailed 98–93. The championship appeared to be slipping away.

Jai Cootes scored to close the gap before the team produced a crucial defensive stop. With seconds remaining, Mason Ewing pushed the ball up the court and, unable to find an open shot, made one final pass to Tamati De Wildt. Known for his composure under pressure, Tamati rose and released the shot as the buzzer sounded. The crowd erupted before the ball had even dropped through the hoop. The three-pointer tied the game and sent the final into overtime.

The energy carried straight into the extra period when Johnnie Love opened overtime with a three-pointer. The boys played with confidence and resilience, eventually securing a thrilling 114–112 victory.

A MBA spokesperson said, “The championship was about more than just the score. It was a reward for months of hard work, commitment, and a genuine love for the game. Head coach Tony Macdonald and his management team dedicated countless hours to developing and preparing the group, and their efforts were reflected in the team's success.

“The result is a significant achievement for Marlborough Basketball and a memorable moment for the players, coaches, families, and wider basketball community who supported the team throughout their journey.”

The team: David Bacon, Joseph Martin, Jai Cootes, Johnnie Love, Kade Macdonald, Lij Craw, Mark Cabasa, Masin Ewing, Olivier Barclay, Tamati de Wildt.