Linden Moore Sports

Medium • 25th December 2020

Golden Twins of Otago: Gold Rush’s Zoe and Brittany Richards are ambassadors for New Zealand…

It’s hard to know basketball in Otago without the Richards sisters.Local products Zoe and Brittany Richards are both members of the division I AM I FIT Otago Gold Rush of the New Zealand Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC), a team based in the city of Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand. Growing up locally in Dunedin, the family atmosphere is something that both sisters cherish, both personally and in basketball. But as they’ve grown up playing with Basketball Otago, they found themselv...

Medium • 24th January 2021

Former hockey player-turned Tall Fern Amy West is flourishing on both American and international…

Amy West’s dream of dawning a New Zealand singlet spans for as long as she can remember.Except her original plan didn’t include it taking place on the hardwood, let alone for a sport that she didn’t pick up until the age of 15.From afar, West’s basketball career is unfolding similar to something that could be championed as an ideal scenario: she’s already been part of two tours with the Sky Sport Tall Ferns and is now living her dream as a collegiate athlete at Saint Mary’s College of California...

Medium • 18th September 2021

From the North Island to New York, Kendell Heremaia and Zara Jillings continue New Zealand legacy…

When Fordham University women’s basketball coach Stephanie Gaitley rallies her team in the Rose Hill Gymnasium, she reminds them of four attributes that come with dawning the maroon and white jersey: Grit. Hustle. Heart. Family.These characteristics are the core of Gaitley’s team, which is part of the Division I Atlantic 10 Conference based in the Bronx, New York. While it’s a team-wide effort to exemplify these traits on and off the court, they have the ambassadorship of Kendell Heremaia and Za...

Medium • 14th August 2022

Determination and big dreams power North Canterbury’s Molly Cockburn to success at Miles Community…

It wasn’t long ago when Molly Cockburn was working out in her high school gym that she saw a glimpse of what her future could look like.In her spare time between school, sport and other activities, Cockburn could be found putting up extra shots in preparation for the upcoming North Canterbury basketball season. Sometimes she had the gym to herself. Other times, she shared the court with fellow North Canterbury native and WNBL forward Mary Goulding. The times that they trained together presented...

Medium • 7th July 2023

High School Star Ritorya Tamilo Gets a Taste of International Basketball at FIBA Women’s Asia Cup

It was sunny Friday afternoon in Sydney, Australia when Ritorya Tamilo made her way down to the lobby of a hotel in Sydney Olympic Park. The constant humming of the lobby comprised of players and team personnel who were visiting for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023, including the Sky Sport Tall Ferns.Tournament weeks are often hectic with the balancing act of trainings, team meetings, constant games, and recovery time. It can be easy to get caught up in the madness, but focus is crucial in these s...

Medium • 25th February 2024

McKenna Dale’s Basketball Career Comes Full Circle in Return to New Zealand

When McKenna Dale steps on the basketball court, opposing teams are aware of the challenge that they’re saddled with for the upcoming 40 minutes. Take one look at game footage and you’ll see that the six-foot guard has a hand in most plays that happen during games. Offensively, she can’t be unmarked for too long as she’ll likely launch a three point shot within seconds of gaining possession of the ball. On the defensive end, she’s the first to fight for rebounds so she can help contribute to her...

Linden’s Substack • 29th April 2025

Dream, Believe, Achieve: Switzerland's Shannon Hatch Proves Anything is Possible

Shannon Hatch is a creature of habit. Take a game day for example. It’s pregame warmups and the Newcastle Eagles forward is relaxed, yet maintains a sharp focus. One shot swooshes in and she immediately hustles to rebound the ball. Taking a step to the left, she energetically high fives a teammate before returning her attention to the task at hand. She gets a grip on another ball which is followed by another shot that swishes seamlessly through the net. She repeats the sequence again with the sa...

Linden’s Substack • 27th November 2025

How Inspiration and Determination Fuelled Cole Long's Dream of Becoming a Professional Basketball Player

There’s a tradition after every Newcastle Eagles game at Vertu Arena that fans consistently look forward to. It starts when the buzzer sounds and the following sequence of events occurs like clockwork. First, a flood of fans (mostly kids) flock towards the barrier with the following in tow: a souvenir and a mission to secure a prime spot along the signage in hopes that they’ll be able to interact with the players. Next, once the players conclude their warm down and stretching routines, they disp...

Medium • 8th February 2026

A Combination of Athletic Talent and Strong Family Connections Pave Lilly Taulelei’s Path to…

Lilly Taulelei is the kind of teammate that everyone hopes to have. For example, she’s a person who you can always count on to give 110-percent in a competition. However, when she’s not playing, her gracious demeanor is directed toward cheering on and leading her teammates.These are just a few qualities that have the potential to influence an athlete’s success and differentiate them from their competition. But what people might not realize right away is that Taulelei has consistently found ways...