Fotu Hala has been one of Ashburton College’s outstanding players during this season’s Thomson Trophy division two competition, in which his side has finished runner-up. Photo Erin TaskerA dream start didn’t result in a dream ending for the Ashburton College senior boys’ basketball side on Tuesday night.

The college’s A boys took on Papanui High School in the Canterbury secondary schools’ Thomson Trophy division two final in Christchurch on Tuesday night and came away with an 89-80 loss.

They started aggressively and caught Papanui off guard, racing out to a 14-2 lead, which they extended to 24-12 by the first quarter’s end, and led 42-30 at half time.

But the crucial third quarter had proven problematic for Ashburton this season and although they came out strong to extend their lead to 50-34, that was when things began to change.

Their defensive structure broke down and Papanui were able to break the press and score easily, as Ashburton’s offence also started to misfire.

Ashburton still led 59-55 at three quarter time, but Papanui were on a roll and drove at will at a tiring Ashburton side to come from behind and win.

Ashburton coach Brian Kerr said his side was up for the challenge and deserved their top two finish.

“The team had utilised a basic structure for the whole season which had worked well,” Kerr said.

But their intensity faded and their offence struggled at times in Tuesday night’s encounter.

Kerr said all the boys that got on court played their hearts out.

Marc Juntilla top scored with 17, Quinn Ritchie again worked hard for his 11, and although Fotu Hala got into early foul trouble which didn’t help his flow, he still managed 13 points and a number of blocked shots before fouling out late in the game.

Ben Jackson also worked hard on the boards, finishing with 13 points.

“The result is disappointing because we didn’t get it right on the day. Nearly, but not quite,” Kerr said.

“However, to make the finals was an excellent result for a group of hard working players.

“They will hurt with this, but we move on.”

The college side will be back in action next week in Ashburton, when the EA Networks Centre hosts a South Island basketball tournament.

By Erin Tasker © The Ashburton Guardian - 29 August 2018