StAC Chasing a 5-Peat: Whelan Preview
The wait for secondary school athletes is over as the Lincoln University Whelan Trophy competition kicks off next week. All eyes will be on the new-look St. Andrew’s side looking to be the first team to win 5 straight titles since Rangiora High in 2011–2015.
The 2024 format will see each team play each other twice in a home and away series. The top 2 teams advance to the semi-finals, with the lower seeds playing off in 3v6 and 4v5 match-ups. The lowest-seeded winner will then play 1st and the highest-seeded winner will play 2nd, with the winners earning the right to battle off for the Whelan Trophy.
As done previously for the Miles Toyota Women’s Premier League, I will preview all teams competing in Division 1. Rankings here are much tougher, with all rosters boasting enough talent to beat anyone on their day.
Cashmere High
Watties’ Rank: 6th
A team for the future with many young pieces will gain valuable experience battling with several teams that boast players with years of Whelan experience. Veteran leader Ellie McDougall’s length, athleticism and shooting ability are tough covers for any opposing defence, and I am intrigued to see how the young trio of Lola Harris, Harmony Lloyd-Mann and Fenella Chittock-Greenwood impact Cashmere’s production.
Roster: Ellie McDougall, Izzy Brooks, Fenella Chittock-Greenwood, Lucy Baker, Lola Harris, Harmoney Lloyd-Mann, Aniya Inkster, Bronte Boyd, Lily Burrows, Maegan Reboldad, Scarlett Tuipulotu, Ashleigh Chatwin, Frida Hamilton.
St Margaret’s College
Watties’ Rank: 5th
Growing pains are natural when you lose a player like Ivy Brown from your roster. It also can open the door for the next wave of talent and the dropoff that many may expect could be further away than expected. Junior Tall Ferns’ wider squad member Evie Leeson is a problem for opposing bigs, making a living out of cleaning the offensive glass while bruising you on aggressive drives and knocking down the outside shot. Young duo Aine Leeson and Lucie Davis round out an exciting big 3 that could be causing several upsets across the league.
Roster: Evie Leeson, Aine Leeson, Nevaeh Dunn, Hayley Sparks, Izzy Brook, Lucie Davis, Bronnie O’Sullivan, Alex Walton, Lucy Farrell.
Christchurch Girls High
Watties’ Rank: 4th
Keeping a core together for an extended period does wonders for a team, and this Girls High group looks primed to reap the rewards. Athleticism, shooting, grit and determination can be found across this roster looking to make its deepest run in the competition since the late 2010s. Junior Tall Ferns’ wider squad member Joanna MacAskill continues to give opposing teams nightmares with her offensive ability, getting to the rim at ease while also being able to find the open shooters this roster has across the board.
Roster: Joanna MacAskill, Brooke Perrim, Keita Hatherell, Lia Jenkins, Poppie Busch-Ward, Kirstie MacAskill, Lily Godinet, Shaye Edwards, Marley Ross, Perez Lene, Mike Lene, Lilah Cowan, Georgie Simon, Kaiah Helsham, Ruby Busch Ward, Grace Taylor.
Kaiapoi High
Watties’ Rank: 3rd
The group north of the Waimak kept a strong core together and is ready to make their deepest playoff run. Junior Tall Ferns’ wider squad member Aliyah Newton has been a tough cover since stepping into Division 1 in 2022. The lefty guard will torment you with high-level guard play while being a constant problem for opposing guards on the defensive end. The offence of Anika Shaw and Hannah Toli complement this roster well, forming a formidable big 3, and when Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams (ACL) returns from injury, watch out.
Roster: Aliyah Newton, Anika Shaw, Hannah Toli, Maddie Gascoyne, Eva Parry, Izzy Clark, Ellie Shaw, Kacey McAllister, Mereani Drulidruli, Bridie Herriott, Brooke Keates, Terongomaianiwaiwa Williams, Chloe Eustace, Ruby Johnston.
Rangiora High
Watties’ Rank: 2nd
A team that I initially had ranked slightly lower, but I couldn’t look past the depth and experience that the roster still holds. Arguably the deepest 2025 class, going into their 4th year of playing together in green and gold was enough to boost the Ducks back into the ranking they have held for the competition in the last four years. Many good additions have also been added to the roster desperate to go one further than the second-place finish they have had in recent years.
Roster: Hadley James, Abby Prattley, Kyra Leatham, Harper McDonald, Hannah Lawler, Grace Tull, Allie Jagger, Jessie Service, Ellie Parish, Amy Willet-Hall, Hayley Barrett, Emma Sincock, Eve Cowan, Tessa Duncan, Pippa Neutze, Jess Haldane.
St. Andrew’s College
Watties Rank: 1st
New look roster, Same South Island dominance? Perfection will be expected across the board for this group, looking to be the first in almost 10 years to win five on the trot. Several key contributors to a successful 2023 will shift into much bigger roles, something that none of them will shy away from. Niamh Chamberlian could be the biggest benefit, slotting into a role vacated by Kavanah Lene. The sharpshooter should see usage skyrocket as combo guards Rafferty and Ophelia Powell look to keep constant heat on the rim, forcing defences to rotate and allow for kick outs.
Roster: Ella Buchanan, Niamh Chamberlain, Lucy Cliff, Ava Jones, Molly Morrow, Orla Motley, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell, Ella Sharpe, Hayley Stowell, Maniah Taefu Sophie Schouten.
