Kate Burley turned out a most valuable player performance in the Northern Stars 56-51 win over the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic tonight at Pulman Arena, Takanini.
The Magic had won both encounters leading into tonight’s match, the last game by only three goals.
Tonight though, the home side played with an air of confidence to hold off a physical Magic outfit.
Originally signed as a training partner for the Stars, Burley picked up five intercepts and four deflections for the match and combined superbly with Holly Fowler and Ama Agbeze.
Coach Kiri Wills highlighted the 21-year-olds ability to turn over crucial ball as a standout individual performance.
“That was the most outstanding game I’ve ever seen her (Kate) play against an international goal shoot, it was amazing. If she hadn’t picked up that ball for us we wouldn’t be where we are on the scoreboard.”
The Magic were without skipper Casey Kopua for the match, who warmed up but never took to the court.
Katherine Levien earned the goal defence bib as the Magic defence combatted the inform Maia Wilson.
Wilson finished the match with 42 from 46 attempts for a ninety-one percent success rate.
Paula Griffin started at goal attack before Ellen Halpenny ran out the rest of the match after half time.
The Stars midcourt had a tough time combating the speed of Magic wing attack Ariana Cable-Dixon at the Start of the match, forcing Wills to move Fowler into wing defence and Fa’amu Ioane to the bench.
The Stars lost no rhythm on attack as Anna Thompson and captain Grace Kara worked tirelessly to get the ball into their shooters hands.
Despite losing the third quarter the Stars home crowd ramped the decibels in the final fifteen minutes to help their home team secure their second win of the season.
Next up for the Northern Stars is the Northern Mystics on Sunday 8th July, at Trusts Arena, at 4.10pm.
Next Home Match:
Monday 15th July – Northern Stars v Central Pulse
Time: 7:40pm
Venue: Pulman Arena, Auckland
