Posted on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Game Recap: Whai v Bulls
Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (88) are defeated by Franklin Bulls (103)
A mid-week shift in the Whai’s starting five would give Tauranga instilled hope after a tough few losses to the Deep South. The home side would welcome back Reuben Te Rangi into the lineup as well as import Isaiah Ross. The first quarter would start off competitive, as Reuben would show why he was one of the most sought after players in the offseason. On the other end, imports Jace Carter and Derrin Boyd were making shots while Carter Whitt was leading like the floor general he’s shown he can be. The visiting side would turn a four point 1st quarter into a 12 point lead at the end of the half. In the 3rd quarter, the Whai would fight back and bring the lead into single digits, only for the Bulls to begin to run away with the match.
Tauranga Whai: Reuben Te Rangi (24p, 6r, 4a), Nick Stoddart (22p, 5a, 2s), Taine Murray (15p, 3r, 3a, 3s)
Franklin Bulls: Derrin Boyd (29p, 4r, 4s), Jace Carter (23p, 8r), Carter Whitt (15p, 5r, 9a, 6s)
MVP Votes:
Derrin Boyd (Bulls) – 10
Jace Carter (Bulls) – 7
Reuben Te Rangi (Whai) – 7
Carter Whitt (Bulls) – 3
Taine Murray (Whai) – 2
Nick Stoddart (Whai) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (45) defeat Oilhub.com Franklin Bulls (29)
The visiting Franklin Bulls would have quite the challenge as some mid-week changes for the Tauranga Whai meant the Rapid League squad they were about face would be a much tougher challenge. While the Whai would only amount 5 points in the first quarter, they’d find their rhythm in the 2nd and start putting points on the board. Quarters 2, 3 and 4 would have the Whai score at least 13 in each, a deficit that the Bulls would be unable to replicate.
Leading Players
Tauranga Whai: CJ Flavell (10p, 4r, 2s), Jayden Bezzant (10p), Xanda Marsters (10p), Cole Hopoi (10p)
Franklin Bulls: Payton Hughes (9p), Tai Pakaurangi (7p)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Cole Hopoi (Whai) – 9
CJ Flavell (Whai) – 5
Jett Thompson (Whai) – 5
Xanda Marsters (Whai) – 4
Payton Hughes (Bulls) – 4
Tai Pakaurangi (Bulls) – 3
Jett Thompson (Whai) – 2