Ashten Prechtel
American centre Ashten Prechtel (196-F-2001, college: Stanford) has been named 2023 Tauihi Most Valuable Player following a dominant campaign for the Southern Hoiho.
Prechtel's numbers are eye popping, recording averages of 19.4 PTS (5th), 15.0 REB (1st), 3.7 AST (7th), 2.7 BLK (1st) and 1.8 STL (4th) in 10 games with the Hoiho. She recorded at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in two separate games this season and reeled in at least 20 rebounds on four occasions.
Prechtel was also named to the 2023 All-Star Five along with her teammate Paige Bradley, Chrislyn Carr (Queens), Mikayla Cowling (Whai) and IImar'I Thomas (Khu).
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old's historic campaign was cut short due to a foot injury and has ruled her out of the Final 4 this weekend.
Along with an All-Star Five nod Mikayla Cowling was awarded Defensive Player of the Year. Cowling nabbed 2.0 STL (2nd) per game and was instrumental in leading the Whai defence throughout the season.
Cowling's 15-year-old teammate Pahlyss Hokianga reeled in the accolades in her first Tauihi season, winning Youth Player of the Year and being crowned the inaugural Rapid League MVP. Whether it was Tauihi or Rapid League, Pahlyss' impact on both ends of the floor was highly evident.
Out of Flaxmere in Hawke's Bay, Hokianga is one of the best high school players in the New Zealand and she showcased that with an outstanding 2023 season.
Hoiho head coach Todd Marshall was named Coach of the Year for leading an impressive turnaround in Dunedin. After winning just one game in 2022, the Hoiho earned seven victories in 2023 and a spot at the Final 4.
The Hoiho weren't done there with forward Zoe Richards earning Most Improved Player honours. Richards posted averages of 16.8 PTS, 8.9 REB & 1.7 STL on 52.3% shooting from the field in 2023, which is up from 7.3 PTS, 5.5 REB & 1.1 STL on 30.4% shooting in 2022.
It's a well-deserved accolade for Richards, who spent the Tauihi offseason playing in Luxembourg fine-tuning her skills and then coming back to Aotearoa to put that growth on full display.
Tags : ASHTEN PRECHTEL, SOUTHERN HOIHO, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL
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