BASKETBALL - SENIOR A BOYS
Back Row : Front Row : Absent :
Ty Ormsby , Kaine Hokianga ( Coach ), Albert van Niekerk Bhanu Phartyal , Isaac Ash , Shane Lowry , Jonty Loza , Lachy McIntosh Kevin Karena , Matthew Brondel , Joe Yank , Cayden Taylor
The Senior A Boys participated in Division 2 of the Hawke ’ s Bay Secondary School Boys competition this year . For two years the Senior A team has competed in this competition and made it to the semi-final stages before being knocked out . The goal to at least make it to the semi final again was made difficult due to having five new players join this year ’ s team . However , the team found a rhythm playing together and developed confidence after playing in a pre-season tournament that saw them lose just one game .
The first round of the season went well and the team did not lose a game in qualifying for the top six round robin phase of Division 2 . Hastings Christian School , still hurting from losing to us in the first round , were dominant in our top six game and beat us by almost 40 points . The loss helped the team to re-focus knowing we had to win at least three of the remaining five games in the top six in order to make the semi finals . The team stepped up to the challenge , beating Flaxmere , Napier Boys ’ Senior B and Hastings Boys ’ Red Dragons to ensure a spot in the semi finals . A heavy defeat against St Johns Senior B meant we would finish 4th in the top six and set up a third game against Hastings Christian School with the winner advancing to the final . The team stuck to the game plan designed to limit HCS ’ ability to score while scoring enough points themselves to take the win 64-61 and qualify for the final for the first time in three years of trying . This was great win and it took a lot out of the team mentally and physically . Unfortunately , the final against St Johns Senior B proved a challenge too difficult and the end result was a very one-sided defeat . While this was a disappointing way to end the competition , the season was a highly successful one and we were very proud of what we were able to accomplish . To finish the season off , the team went up to Gisborne to play against Campion College and Gisborne Boys ’ High School . The trip was a great way to send off the seven Year 12 and 13 team members leaving HNHS at the end of the year . We were able to convincingly beat Campion College , but Gisborne Boys ’ were much tougher opponents and they comfortably beat us .
A big thanks must go out to former student Jack Waby for stepping in to help coach throughout the season . Thanks also must go out to those leaving at the end of this year for all they have contributed to our basketball programme : Shane Lowry , Albert van Neikerk , Cayden Taylor , Lachy McIntosh , Ty Ormsby , Kevin Karena and Matthew Brondel . While this leaves a big hole , the remaining members of the team will be relied upon for their experience for next season . Those team members being Jonty Loza , Isaac Ash , Joe Yank and Bhanu Phartyal .
2022 Team Awards Most Valuable Player : Shane Lowry Greatest Contribution : Jonty Loza Mr Kaine Hokianga , TIC Basketball
56