Basketball: Draft league finals held this weekend

The Carlin Davison and Eva Langton Taranaki Draft competition will wrap up with the finals on Saturday at the YMCA in New Plymouth.

The men’s final will feature the Royals against the Hornets, who both advanced by winning their semifinal matches.

The Hornets edged out Thunder 91-87, while Royals overcame the Bears 106-90.

On the women’s side, the final will see the Thunder face off against the Bears.

The Thunder secured their spot with a 73-64 victory over the Royals, and the Bears defeated the Hornets 82-60 in the semifinals.

The women’s tip-off is scheduled for 5pm, with the men’s game at 6.45pm.

This league was introduced as a response to Basketball New Zealand’s removal of the Tupu League and Under-23 competitions this year, filling a gap between club basketball and the National Basketball League.

It had provided a competitive and balanced platform for players of all levels in the Taranaki region to develop and compete.

The 2025 draft season had unfolded across multiple locations that reflect the region’s basketball community.

The competition began on November 1 at the Stratford TET Centre, moved to the TSB Hub in Hāwera for Rounds 2 and 3 on November 8 and then the semifinals were held at the Sinclair Event Centre in Ōpunake on November 15.

This spread of venues highlights the league’s regional reach and community engagement.