Redwoodtown basketballers step up

They may have been newcomers at the recent Top of the South Intermediate Winter Sports tournament in Nelson, but a talented and motivated group of basketballers from Redwoodtown School immediately made their presence felt.

The Redwoodtown year 7/8 boys team upset the odds to go through the annual event unbeaten, making the most of their first stint at the popular tournament.

Having dominated on the local scene, the lads were keen for another challenge and decided a two-day tournament against larger intermediate schools would certainly test them, especially since Redwoodtown only draws from 90 intermediate students.

On the first day they picked up two solid wins, beating Broadgreen Intermediate 32-2 then accounting for Bohally Intermediate 22-12.

The following day they beat Waimea Intermediate 25-17, then romped past St Pauls 42-6.

By winning their pool the boys won straight through to the final where they met Nelson Intermediate. The scores were level, 11-11, at halftime which led to a tense second half before Redwoodtown drew away to prevail 19-15.

Their coach, Todd Kauie, said he was “stoked” with the team and their efforts.

Captain, Jack Wickens, said, “No one knew who we were before we played, but they do now.”