HIGH RISERS: Rotorua are the national under-19 basketball champions.
HIGH RISERS: Rotorua are the national under-19 basketball champions.
Rotorua Boys' High School ballers have helped underline the Bay of Plenty's potential to field a competitive, homegrown National Basketball League team by claiming the national title.
Five Rotorua Boys' students - Mikaere Watene, Tamakari Vercoe-Kameta, Bailey Lacey-Rameka, Te Awanui Waaka and Logan Elers - were part of the sidethat won the national final against neighbours Waikato, with Elers also winnning selection to the tournament team.
Rotorua Boys' head coach Mark Elers, who doubled as the assistant coach for the under-19 side, said the championship can only mean good things for the school team for the rest of the season.
"This championship win sets us up for an exciting term three, as our Senior A team embarks on their mission to qualify for the Secondary School Nationals for the first time since 2009," he said.
"The school basketball team has a very hefty schedule starting off with the annual NZ Super 8 School's Basketball competition to be held in New Plymouth.
