2025 Rep Round-Up

2025 marked a year of strong progress for the Basketball Otago representative programme, with performances across all age groups highlighting the growth, depth and quality of basketball in the region.

Under 20's

Both the U20 Men's and Women's teams recorded Top 6 finishes at the BBNZ U20 Nationals in Tauranga. Led by experienced Head Coaches Sam Fielding (Men) and Alf Arlidge (Women), both sides competed consistenly throughout the tournament to secure their placings.

The Men's programme saw Oak Chisholm and Harry Bezett make their Otago Nuggets debuts, alongside U20 Men's Assistant Coach Noah McDowall.

On the Women's side, Alexa Duff returned to the Southern Hoiho, while Tia Pavihi made her Tauihi League debut for the franchise. Elise Carline also took an exciting step in her career, accepting a scholarship to Mount Royal University in Canada.

Under 18's

The U18 Boys' and Girls' "A" teams qualified for the BBNZ U18 Nationals in Christchurch, where both teams showed grit and determination in a challenging national tournament.

Kiana Brown was selected for the New Zealand U17 Junior Tall Ferns and played a key role in the team's silver medal finish at the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup. The result has secured qualification for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in 2026.

Harry Townsend was also recognised nationally, named as a non-travelling reserve for the New Zealand U17 Junior Tall Blacks.

Several U18 representatives also tasted success at the school level as Kings High School claimed the BBNZ Southern Cup title and Columba College earned a Top 8 placing at BBNZ Secondary School Nationals.

Under 16's

The U16 Boys returned to BBNZ Nationals in 2025, joined by both the U16 Girls' "A" and "B" teams. Having a "B" team qualify for Nationals was a significant achievement and a strong indicator of the depth and strength within the age group.

Congratulations to the athletes who also represented their schools at the South Island Junior Premierships in Nelson.

Under 14's

The U14 programme enjoyed a highly successful campaign, with the Boys reaching the Grand Final in every grade at the BBNZ U14 Regionals in Invercargill. The Development "A" team secured back-to-back C Grade titles, with the Development "B" team also claiming bronze in the grade.

For the second consecutive year, Basketball Otago fielded three teams in the U14 Girls programme, underlining the continued growth and momentum of the female game in the region.

The 2025 season also saw the introduction of a U12 Boys team, with further developments planned for the U12 programme in the year ahead.

Basketball Otago wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all players, parents, coaches and managers who made the 2025 season a successful one. Details surrounding the 2026 rep programme will be released in the coming weeks.