In what could be AC’s sporting spectacle of the year, an athletic Student Executive team recently took on staff for a lunchtime basketball battle. Was it a slam dunk for youth? Alan Syme, guidance counsellor and veteran baller, tells us how it all played out.
After an extensive and rigorous selection process, staff were pleased to select their All-Star team. There was no badge, but they did get the honour of wearing the retro AC uniform as they played against the Year 13 Executive in Week 8 of Term 2.
Some key staff players were away, either at the Catholic Education Convention or setting up for the Te Ranga commemoration. They were severely missed, but no excuses.
All details, strategy, and formations were made up as the staff went along. The Year 13s were quick, agile and skilful, as the end result would show.
The staff narrative of the game went something like this: Mr Syme was owning the paint, the quick moves of Mrs Gilbert and Mr Watson were freestyling with a mix of in-out zig zag offence, and Mr Howells and Mr McBride brought the boom in the mid-range with their bisection of the triangle to the power of 2. ‘The Don’ (his street ball name), aka Mr Donaldson, was running the point with some zippy crossovers, bamboozling passing, and several periods of time practising what looked like break dancing moves on the floor while appealing to the non-existent ref for fouls.
This combination led to a very close game, where the Year 13s showed their intelligence, athleticism, cardiovascular endurance, and all round general superiority to take the W in a close-fought game. Well deserved.
The crowd enjoyed the show, lots of fun, and the staff will be looking to redeem themselves in the next encounter in Term 3. (Chess or Debating?)
Nga mihi nui to everyone who made it possible, with the uniform, the photos, and the planning.
To watch Caitlin Cooper’s excellent video of the event go to: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8banZwvYLM/
