Latest news with #Mystics
NZ Herald
16 hours ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Rising netball stars push for Silver Ferns selection after strong season
LockerRoom takes a look at four players pushing for their first Ferns test cap, and two premiership rookie standouts to look out for in the future. Filda Vui's clutch super shot has been outstanding in the new format competition. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Filda Vui Filda Vui is by no means a new face in the ANZ Premiership, making her first appearance in 2020. However, being paired with Grace Nweke at the Northern Mystics meant Vui often took a backseat when it came to scoring goals, sometimes simply used as a second feeder to Nweke. In 2025, that's all changed. When Mystics goal shoot Donnell Wallam was ruled out of part of the season with injury, a leader needed to step up in the shooting circle, and Vui did so. Vui has the highest volume of two-point shots in the domestic competition, sinking 28 from 44 attempts this season. Her calm head in the circle and connections with her midcourters have shown her to be a proficient goal attack who could see higher honours soon. An uncapped Silver Fern, Vui was named in the team for the Netball Quad Series in January 2022 but didn't take the court, and hasn't managed to crack the squad since. Saviour Tui's smile is deceiving – seen here wrestling for possession with Mystics' Catherine Hall. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Saviour Tui Often stuck on the bench, or behind a seasoned goal shoot, Saviour Tui has made a name for herself ever since moving to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in 2024 – having played two seasons for the Mystics and then two for the Steel. The third-most prolific shooter in the ANZ Premiership, Tui has thrived at goal shoot alongside Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio. She's also shown her range, with 27 super shots – the second highest in the competition. While she may not have the height of other goal shooters, at 189cm, Tui makes up for it with her athleticism and strong balance on the baseline. The 23-year-old's ability to rein in feeds and stay strong under the hoop could make her a great option up against international defenders for the Silver Ferns. A former New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, Tui has been a member of the NZ A and Ferns development squads, and even played for Samoa in 2022. Georgie Edgecombe goes from strength to strength with every season in the Magic. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Georgie Edgecombe Georgie Edgecombe is a player who's gone from strength to strength. Still growing in her fifth full season with the Magic, the midcourter's athletic skills and physical strength are an asset to her team. Often seen at wing defence, Edgecombe finished the 2025 ANZ Premiership season with an impressive 33 deflections, one of the top in the competition. She also had 13 clean intercepts and 17 pick ups, with a never-give-up attitude for her side. Also with 33 feeds and 37 centre pass receives, she has shown she can be used at centre and is steady through the midcourt too. Previously a member of the NZA and Silver Ferns development squad, this could be the year Edgecombe pushes for that black dress. Carys Stythe was a spectacular signing for Steel in 2025. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Carys Stythe Carys Stythe has been touted as a future Silver Fern for years now, after making her debut for the Mystics. But a move down south to the Southern Steel this year has seen a huge change in her game, and the call may be coming soon. Finishing top of the ladder in defensive rebounds with 21, Stythe's height in the defensive circle has made her one of the country's top goal keeps. She was a key member of the Steel team, reliable at the back of the court. A member of the Silver Ferns development squad, Stythe could very well see herself in the national team this year. But keep an eye out for former teammate Catherine Hall. Finding her feet at the Mystics after being largely kept on the bench, Hall now tops the season for deflections and intercepts and could find herself challenging some experienced players for that black dress. With Hall playing in the grand final on July 20, she still has one more game left to impress the Ferns selectors. Rookie Sophia Lafaiali'i shored up the Mystics shooting end while Wallam was injured. Photo / Mystics Sophia Lafaiali'i When Wallam went down injured in round three, the Mystics had the choice of finding an international or retired player to cover the goal shoot bib. Instead, they looked to their development players, specifically 20-year-old Sophia Lafaiali'i. Many thought the Mystics may struggle without Wallam, with wing attack Peta Toeava known for her pinpoint accurate feeds to taller shooters. But Lafaiali'i didn't skip a beat, playing a full 60 minutes in her second game, and only missing one goal. Shooting at 93% accuracy, Lafaiali'i has scored 137 goals since being introduced to the Mystics side. She's also since been rewarded with a call-up to trial for the NZ U21 team to play in the Netball World Youth Cup in September. Holly Mather in action for Tactix against her sister's side, Stars. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography Holly Mather In her first fully contracted season, Holly Mather has been busy. Playing in every game for the Tactix, Mather averages 52 minutes on court per game, typically running around at centre. Mather had played for both the Marvels and the Comets in the National Netball League, before making the step up to the ANZ Premiership, joining the Stars as injury replacement last season. Being able to play for the Stars alongside older sister Lisa in the midcourt was a special moment for the family from the Far North. With a massive 202 feeds this season, Mather's error rate was very low for a new player and she slotted into the Tactix environment seamlessly. Her reliability throughout court was impressive, and the likelihood of her being snapped up for another season in the ANZ Premiership will be very high after her showings on court this year. Tactix and Steel will face off in the ANZ Premiership elimination final at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch on Sunday, at 7.30pm. The game will be live on Sky Sport. This story was originally published at and is republished with permission.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Emma Meesseman to join New York Liberty, play in WNBA for first time since 2022: Report
The New York Liberty were already in position to defend their WNBA championship this season. Now, midseason, the Liberty are adding another player who knows a thing or two about winning a title. Emma Meesseman, who earned 2019 WNBA Finals MVP honors with the Washington Mystics, is joining the Liberty, according to a report from ESPN's Alexa Philippou. The 6-foot-4 forward and Belgium native hasn't played in the W since the 2022 season. How long it takes for her to go through the visa application process will determine when she makes her debut with the Liberty, per Philippou. A two-time WNBA All-Star, Meesseman most recently averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for the Chicago Sky in 2022. This story is being updated.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Los Angeles faces Washington after Hamby's 26-point showing
Los Angeles Sparks (8-14, 3-10 Western Conference) at Washington Mystics (11-11, 6-5 Eastern Conference) Washington; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mystics -2.5; over/under is 167.5 BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles Sparks visits the Washington Mystics after Dearica Hamby scored 26 points in the Sparks' 99-80 win against the Washington Mystics. The Mystics have gone 7-3 at home. Washington ranks fifth in the WNBA with 35.5 rebounds led by Kiki Iriafen averaging 8.5. The Sparks have gone 5-6 away from home. Los Angeles leads the Western Conference with 38.8 points per game in the paint led by Hamby averaging 12.2. Washington averages 78.5 points per game, 8.4 fewer points than the 86.9 Los Angeles allows. Los Angeles averages 8.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 more makes per game than Washington gives up. The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Sparks defeated the Mystics 99-80 in their last meeting on July 16. Hamby led the Sparks with 26 points, and Shakira Austin led the Mystics with 16 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Brittney Sykes is averaging 17.1 points and 4.4 assists for the Mystics. Austin is averaging 16.5 points over the last 10 games. Hamby is averaging 17.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 steals for the Sparks. Kelsey Plum is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Mystics: 6-4, averaging 79.5 points, 34.5 rebounds, 19.1 assists, 6.5 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 81.3 points per game. Sparks: 4-6, averaging 83.0 points, 31.9 rebounds, 20.8 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 87.9 points. INJURIES: Mystics: Georgia Amoore: out for season (acl). Sparks: Cameron Brink: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Tactix stage second half comeback to beat Pulse and make ANZ Premiership final
After a four-year wait, the Mainland Tactix are getting another shot at a maiden ANZ Premiership title. The Tactix produced a second half comeback over the Central Pulse this evening, winning 57-52 to book a spot in next Sunday's ANZ Premiership final where they will look to deny the Northern Mystics a hat-trick of titles. Trailing 30-26 at halftime, the home side took control with a five-point advantage in the third quarter eventually re-taking the lead late in the quarter before closing out the elimination final in style. Seven straight goals flipped the contest as the Tactix assured they finished their season at home with a perfect record. Eleanor Bird scored 47 goals, including going 14/16 in the pivotal third quarter which turned the game. Amelia Walmsley was near perfect for the Pulse, shooting 42 from 43, including some late two-point shots as they went on an 8-3 run to finish but falling short. The Tactix have previously lost two finals (2020 and 2021), the last time being against the Mystics. They beat the minor premiers 61-50 in round four in Christchurch but the Mystics took out the most recent clash a week ago 70-56.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Tactix v Pulse live updates: ANZ Premiership elimination final
The Tactix host the Pulse in the ANZ Premiership elimination final with the winner advancing to the final to face the Mystics.
