The Tokomanaway Queens and Northern Kāhu battle in the 2025 Tauihi Basketball league with this year expected to see several stars on th ecourt PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
Defending champions the Tauranga Whai host the Northern Kāhu at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Friday 25 September to open the Tauihi basketball season, but most of the attention is on the Tokomanawa Queens.
The Wellington-based franchise has recruited Charlisse Leger-Walker returning home after an outstanding collegiate career and her WNBA debut. She’ll also line up alongside her sister, Krystal Leger-Walker
Charlisse Leger-Walker returns to New Zealand after an outstanding period in the United States, where she established herself as one of the country’s leading basketball talents through her collegiate and solid performances in the WNBA for the Connecticut Suns..
Hailey Van Lith to the Tauihi league will lead to other star imports choosing to play in the New Zealand women’s basketball league.
The Connecticut Sun guard is the team-mate of New Zealander Charlisse Leger-Walker in the WNBA.
The Queens who are coaced by former Tall Fern Tania Tupu, they open their campaign against the Northern Kāhu at Te Rauparaha Arena on Sunday 27 September.
The second game of the seaosn features Mainland Pouākai against Southern Hoiho at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, Saturday 26 September.