"When I grow up I want to be like Josie Stockill (a Tall Fern and former NGHS pupil studying at Colgate University) and get an American scholarship," says the youngster whose mother suspects she has a fair bit of growth left in her.
When Preece has played in an Auckland and Palmerston North tournaments she has found herself standing head and shoulders above those from other teams.
Jovial Preece family members actually play gamesin which Janaya walks up to the tallest timber in opposition teams so they can gauge how she measures up.
No doubt this week's tourney will provide a stiffer challenge but they will be shocked if someone in that age group pips hers.
She uses her frame to tie up the opposition defence so as to enable a teammate driving down the court to set up for a lay-up.
Preece's shooting prowess is a work in progress because she was diagnosed with "cosmetic double vision" in primary school.
The former St Patrick's School pupil used to miss shots but all that became clear when a school teacher suspected something wasn't right but it was nothing a visit to an optometrist couldn't fix.
Explains mum Bridget: "Her school work wasn't great and she was getting a lot of headaches but now she hasn't had one since she's wearing glasses."
The family is saving to buy her a pair of hybrid sport spectacles.
"The one she uses now becomes very sweaty and fogs up."
A bespectacled Preece was tentative on court at first, nervous about injuring others more than herself, but that fear soon dissipated when she worked out an obvious disparity.
"I didn't have to worry because the others just couldn't reach [my face]."
Neither Bridget nor husband John Preece are tall and they attribute Janaya's height to recessive genes on Bridget's side of the family.
As a netball coach, Bridget was horrified when Janaya took a shine to basketball but all that's water under the bridge now.
Preece gravitated towards hoop heaven after watching stepbrothers Sheldon and Harrison McGuire play.
Sheldon, 21, is a centre who has played for NBL outcasts Otago Nuggets for the past two seasons while pursuing a degree in Dunedin. Harrison, 18, is an age-group Bay second division forward who lives and works in Napier although both boys have a history of playing rugby.
Ask her what is it about basketball that appeals, Preece replies: "I like the idea of having fun with teammates, bouncing the ball and getting physical."
Former Tall Fern and professional player Taylor, who was briefly Hawks coach, has the help of Jo Richards and Carly Glock with the two under-13 girls' teams.
Says Bridget: "Kirstin is an amazing coach so we're blessed to have her and her assistants coach Janaya."
Ditto Suzie and Shane Hiha as Preece plays for their Swish club.
Preece is hoping to find a place in the IMS Payroll Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy but with netball and all-year basketball she was struggling to find time.
The Bay Under-13s won two games and lost one in the Auckland tourney recently but made a clean sweep of three in Palmy.
Preece reckons the two games a day this week will test their mettle.
When she graduates from university, the teenager hopes to help people with health issues.
"I have some friends and family who have had problems with cancer.
"My aunt also broke her back and was immobile so I thought that is where I can come in to help."
