Basketball Wizards

The visit of the American Latter Day Saints Basketball Team to Gisborne provided local devotees of the game with a demonstration of skill and tactics such as most had never seen before.

Particularly impressive were Joseph Watts, from Logan, Utah, and Jerry Warnick, of Pasadena, California, two players who must rank high in their native land.

The Gisborne players, although completely outclassed, and defeated in the end by 92 to 19, played manfully throughout against the dominant opposition.

G. Moon (Gisborne) takes shot at goal

Warnick, Ivan Cowley, John Page and Boyd Hollist (Page shooting)

Gary Oviatt typified drive, speed and skill of visitors

Visitors' huddle to discuss tactics seemed rather unnecessary

Indoor basketball in the States is watched by more people than any other of the many sports played there. The visiting team showed the skill and tactics to be expected from seasoned exponents. Members are missionaries of their church domiciled in N.Z. They were unbeaten in N.Z. last year, and this year have suffered only one defeat, by Auckland.

Gisborne's team captain, Ivan Cowley, takes the ball up the Sideline. From this position, however, local players found they could not penetrate the L.D.S. defence, usually had to try for difficult baskets from far out.

American Joseph Watts, only 5ft 9in. high, was the undisputed star of the visiting team.

Gisborne's high-jumping D. Ng in action, Left, Warnick; right, Boyd Hollist.

American Phillip Bird gets pass through to team mate Dennis Gordon.

Warnick in action.

Gisborne's Peter Sutton tries to block goal by L. D. S. player Dennis Gordon.

A series of photographs clearly showing the impregnable American defence tactics which made it impossible for Gisborne's Cowley (left and right) and Page (centre) to get near the basket.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 70 : April 21, 1960

Basketball Wizards