Despite mixed results on the scoreboard, the New Zealand Police basketball contingent shone at the 45th Australasian Police Basketball Association (APBA) Championships in Perth — proving that teamwork, spirit and pride can’t always be measured in points.

The October tournament brought together more than 400 police officers from across New Zealand and Australia.

New Zealand fielded teams in both the Division 1 men’s and women’s competitions. The men finished fifth in a tough six-team pool, while the women secured a well-earned third place after a gritty semifinal against New South Wales.

The biggest Kiwi headline of the tournament came on awards night. First-time tourer Constable Jeremy Irvine dominated the men’s competition, collecting four honours: 

• Top overall points scorer
• Rookie of the Year
• Starting point guard in the men’s All-Star 5
• New Zealand men’s most valuable player

It was the first time since 2006 that a New Zealander has claimed the top scorer title, and Jeremy was the first ever to do so as a rookie.

“I didn’t expect this at all,” Jeremy says. “I just wanted to play hard for the team. To be recognised like this is incredible. The competition was tough and every game pushed me to be better.”

In the women’s competition, Constable Ellie McManaway earned a place in the women’s All-Star 5 – a recognition of her standout play and leadership throughout the tournament.

“We gave it everything,” Ellie says. “That semifinal loss was tough, but we showed we can compete with the best. Being named in the All-Star 5 is an honour, but it’s all about the team effort.”

One moving moment of the championships came not from the court, but from the heart. The Kiwis performed a powerful haka to honour a Western Australia player who died earlier in the year.

Led by Teri Martin, of Auckland, the tribute brought the stadium to a standstill and moved many to tears. For his leadership and sportsmanship, Teri was presented with the Duncan Taylor Memorial Award, named after a former NZ Police basketballer who was killed in the line of duty in 2002.

“It was a privilege to lead the haka,” Teri says. “It wasn’t just about basketball – it was about respect, unity and remembering those who are no longer with us.”

Head coach and manager Sergeant Tim Coudret says the Kiwi contingent can hold their heads high after a demanding week.

“This was one of the toughest championships we’ve attended,” he says. “The level of competition was outstanding, and while the results didn’t always go our way, the effort and attitude from our players were second to none.

“Jeremy’s performance was phenomenal and the women’s team showed incredible grit. Off the court, the haka tribute was a defining moment that reminded everyone what this group stands for – mana, respect and unity.”