03/09/2026
Our Senior Boys Premier Basketball team represented our school with immense pride and mana at the 'A' North Island Premiership in Rotorua this week. Marking only our second appearance at this tournament, the team showcased incredible heart as they went toe-to-toe with some of the strongest programs in the nation, including Te Aroha College and St Peter's.
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
(My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.)
Throughout the week, the boys delivered top-tier basketball, led by high-scoring performances from Riley Gamble, Arana Totorewa, Khalanii Kimi-Wereta, and Tama Hart. However, the true strength of this team lay in their resilience and unity when faced with adversity. With Year 13 co-captain Joseph Adams injured just before the tournament and fellow Year 13 co-captain Tama Hart sidelined mid-competition due to injuries, the team was pushed to adapt quickly under tough conditions.
In the absence of our senior co-captains, Year 11 players Arana Totorewa and Khalanii Kimi-Wereta stepped up brilliantly under pressure to lead the young squad through some remarkably intense competition. They were backed by Year 11 teammate Ameen Fadul, who delivered crucial, great plays when the team needed them most.
Our depth and future promise were on full display as our newest and youngest players stepped into the spotlight. Newcomers Christian Astadan and Darsh Patel gave it their all, playing awesome minutes and working tirelessly on the floor. At the same time, Year 10 athletes Harlem Rawhiti and Ahli Ngawaka took on massive roles against elite opponents, embracing the pressure with courage far beyond their years.
As a young and extraordinarily promising squad, their efforts in Rotorua have laid a powerful foundation for the future. We are incredibly proud of the determination, teamwork, and heart they displayed every time they stepped onto the court.
