Ashburton College’s Josh Lowe was a huge performer in his side’s 77-58 win against Christchurch Boys’ High School on Thursday, scoring 28 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Photo Jaime Pitt-MacKayThe Ashburton College senior boys’ basketball team continued its push for a top four spot in the Thompson Trophy competition on Thursday night with a 77-58 win over Christchurch Boys’ High School.

College sits fifth on the ladder with one game to go before quarter-finals but a home game at that stage of the competition could rest on the outcome of other match-ups in the last round on August 1.

Both the Thompson Trophy and Whelan Trophy competition for girls take a break over the school holidays.

College coach Pip Johnston said his side got off to a great start against CBHS on Thursday night and was able to control the tempo of the game well. College led 22-8 at the first quarter and 38-31 at half-time.

“Boys high put the pressure on us in the second quarter but we were able to hold our own and stay calm. The fourth quarter was a great quarter for us and it showed in the final result.”

College held a slender six-point lead after the third quarter, up 53-47, but outscored their city hosts 24-11 in the final stanza.

“It was great to see the boys all playing for each other. Josh Lowe had a huge game with 28 points and 15 rebounds. He’s been working really hard and it showed he can dominate in this competition. Everybody that got on showed me that they deserved to be out there.”

The College boys and girls will return in term three with an additional focus – the South Island Secondary Schools’ Premierships are in Dunedin early September with the top six finishers qualifying for the nationals.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 8 July 2017