Te Raki Troopers storm to Wheelchair Basketball title

Northland's Jamie Tapp of Kaikohe progresses the ball up-court. Photo / Supplied

Te Raki Troopers proved they are a team on the rise after convincingly taking out the B Division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

They went through their division unbeaten, comfortably taking down Auckland C (42-6 and 28-10) and Waikato (45-23 and 28-22) on two separate occasions.

Team member Cameron Leslie said it was a great weekend for the side of mixed experience levels.

"As a relatively new player to wheelchair basketball I loved it, I like winning but it was the way we won that I was so stoked with," he said.

"Some guys in our team have been playing wheelchair basketball for 16 years for various teams and never won the B Division - I'm really happy for them.

"We said at a team meeting afterwards that our rookies were fortunate because it's not often you win the division in your first season. As a team we have really developed over the year so it's great to see everyone get the treats for all their work."

Taking out the B Division meant they earned the right to face the bottom-placed side in the A Division. It was there that the Troopers caused a major upset by knocking over Bay of Plenty 37-28.

Leslie said despite grabbing the victory, they know there's a long way for them to go.

"Yeah the win against the A Division side was a personal highlight. We certainly were the underdog and certainly weren't expected to win, or come close," he said.

"For me as a newish player, it was awesome to not only test myself against better players but help build the side's confidence going forward.

"I think that win shows we could match it with A Division sides but we are a long way off being comfortable at that level, which means more training to develop ourselves as players but also our team structure and unity.

"I think next year we will look to move up, but that's not my call to make really."

Playing under new coach Glenn McDonald, the side were a more well-oiled machine than in recent times despite being close to picking up the Division title.

The Troopers are looking to continue developing their side but to do that they need an influx of players.

"Recruitment is massive for our growth as a team," he said.

"We just need more people living with a physical disability to get involved - we've shown we are a winning team, we have a good coach who is supported by good support staff and we have a good bunch of guys and girls making up our team.

"It really is a sport which caters to a massive range of disabilities so I'd encourage any Northlander to just come forward and ask questions, see if you like it.

"Parafed Northland gives us access to wheelchairs for new players, so really it's just a case of getting bums in those seats."

To get involved, contact Parafed Northland at parafed@parafednorthland.co.nz or on 0273104222.