St Thomas of Canterbury College Basketball

15/09/2026

Thank you, St Thomas. 🏀

Mā te whakatatū o te tinana, e tū rangatira ai te hinengaro.
E te whānau o Hato Tamati, tēnā koutou katoa.

Following on from saying farewell to another group of Year 13 basketballers, it seems fitting that I now say a few words of my own.

After being involved with St Thomas basketball since 2016, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from my role as Head of Basketball and hand the reins over to someone new.

It’s a decision that comes with mixed emotions, but I feel the time is right. Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey and one I’m very grateful to have been part of.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching some fantastic young men, travelling away on tournaments, sharing plenty of laughs and memories, and watching the yearly rotation of new students coming in and seniors heading out.

I’ve seen plenty of changes within the school and the basketball programme, but one thing has always remained at the heart of it for me — seeing players develop, not just as basketballers, but as young men, both on and off the court.

It’s been a real honour to have been part of that journey, and I’m grateful for the many friendships, experiences and people I’ve met along the way.
To all the players I’ve coached, supported and travelled with over the years — thank you.
It’s been a privilege to be part of your basketball journeys, and I hope you look back on your time with the St Thomas basketball programme with the same fondness that I will.

I wish the St Thomas basketball programme, the coaches, staff, parents and, of course, all the boys who come through it, every success for the future.
It’s now time for me to sub out, get some fresh legs on the court and let someone else take the programme forward.

Kua kī te kete i ngā mahara, i ngā hononga hoki.
Ngā mihi nui me te aroha nui,

Dave Wong

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13/09/2026

Thank you to our year 13 players.
With the basketball season now wrapped up and the academic year drawing to a close for our Year 13 players, it’s time to acknowledge something that goes well beyond what happens on the court.
These men have contributed to STC Basketball across different grades and teams, giving their time, energy and commitment to the programme throughout their years at St Thomas. Whether playing in the top team, supporting younger players, stepping onto the court for another grade, or simply being part of the wider basketball community, each has played a part in the story of STC Basketball.
To Jack Fale, George Thomson, Tiaki Smith, Quinn McClimont, Mark Andre, Rhys Rickard, Max van Eysden-Grice, Ethan Bragat and Marcus Fisher — thank you for your commitment, your contribution and the part you have played in the STC Basketball family.
It has been a privilege to have you involved, and we hope you look back on your time with STC Basketball with plenty of good memories, friendships and a sense of pride in what you have been part of.
Go well, fellas.

04/09/2026

🏀 SOUTHERN CUP – DAY 3 & THAT’S A WRAP! 🏀

Well, that’s a wrap on the Southern Cup. Three days, six games, plenty of basketball, plenty of laughs, a few sore bodies… and probably a few more grey hairs for the coach! 😂

Game 5 was against a Cromwell team short a number of players. The STC boys made the most of it, with the bench playing a starring role and taking the win 111–38. 💪

Our 6th and final game of the tournament was against a spirited and determined Hornby High School team. It was bucket for bucket for most of the game, with neither team willing to give an inch. STC finally managed to edge clear in the last quarter and came away with a 100–76 win. 👊

That sees the boys finish the Southern Cup in 9th place from 19 teams — a very solid effort in a strong field. 🏀👏

For some of these boys, this was their last ever tournament away in the STC colours, which makes the trip that little bit more special. It’s been a privilege to spend the last few days with this group — watching them compete, battle, laugh, annoy each other, eat everything in sight and somehow still turn up ready to play! 😂

Well done, fellas — you’ve done STC proud. ❤️💙

03/09/2026

🏀 SOUTHERN CUP – DAY 2 DONE! 🏀

Another big day of basketball for the STC 2nd V boys at the Southern Cup in Dunedin!

Game one saw us come up against a very strong and physical Papanui High School outfit. The boys battled hard but Papanui proved too strong, with STC going down 51–86.

This evening it was a different story! 💪🔥 The boys came out firing against a young Bayfield High School team to secure a convincing 100–52 win.

Two very different games, plenty of lessons learned, and some great basketball along the way.

Day 3 promises more tough matchups, so stay tuned!

02/09/2026

🏀 Winter Tournament – Take 2! 🏀

The STC 2nd V basketballers are in Dunedin competing at the Southern Cup tournament!

Day 1 – Game 1: The boys took on a strong Otago Boys’ High School team in a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. OBHS held the lead at halftime, but the STC boys dug deep, lifted the intensity and pulled away in the second half to secure an impressive 90–64 win! 💪🔥

Game 2: This evening the boys faced Christ’s College in another tough and competitive game. The STC boys battled hard throughout, but Christ’s proved too strong on the night, running out 83–65 winners.
The boys are getting stuck into the challenge and making the most of their Southern Cup experience. 💪🏀

A big thank you to our coach, Ant Rickard, for taking the team on tour and guiding the boys through the tournament. 👏

02/09/2026

🏀 Junior South Island Premierships – Winter Tournament Week

Our STC junior basketballers took on the best at the Junior South Island Premierships in Christchurch during Winter Tournament Week.

Four days of fun, tough and high-intensity basketball gave our Year 9 & 10 players plenty of challenges, great competition and some fantastic experiences along the way.

The boys finished 8th in the A Division out of 16 teams — a great effort against some very strong opposition.

Well done, men! 👏🏀 Proud of the effort, attitude and commitment you showed throughout the tournament.

A special thanks to Coach Louie Gordon, who has looked after and supported this group of young men throughout the entire season. Your time, energy and commitment to the boys has been fantastic — and hopefully we’ll see you back with the group next season! 😊🏀

STC Basketball — Manawa, Brotherhood, Compassion, Legacy. ❤️🖤

23/08/2026

Tough finish, great season! 🏀

A tough finish for our Year 9 Rockets Friday social boys, with a loss to St Bedes Y9 Red, but what a great bunch of young men they are. These are some of the friendliest, most upbeat and positive boys you’ll ever meet — always bringing energy, smiles and plenty of team spirit - St Thomas men right here!

Well done, fellas. Enjoy the break and see you all next season! 👊🏀 Special thanks to our parents and caregivers for looking after these boys on hectic Friday afternoons!

22/08/2026

* Friday Night Basketball * STC Hoopsters take the final!

16/08/2026

Congratulations to our own Connor McMulkin for making the XCM Group Boys U17 2026 first team !

The XCM Group Boys'17U gets the first Saturday Grade Spotlight! Congratulations to these five certified ballers:

Marshall Cummings - Selwyn Basketball
Joshua Gerretsen - Middleton Grange Sport-Wharenui Gators Basketball Club
Max Wallace (MVP) - St Bede's College Basketball
Eli Lissaman - Shirley Boys' High School Basketball
Connor McMulkin - St Thomas of Canterbury College Basketball