Rising Stars: Rotorua Boys' Shaquille Graham

Shaquille Graham, 17, is a respected leader and a talented cricketer, representing his school and district.

He has been nominated for this week's Daily Post Rising Star for his excellence in leadership, sport and academic achievement.

Shaquille's main sport is cricket.

He has played for the Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XI cricket team since he was 13.

Captain of the 1st XI at Rotorua Boys' High School in 2011 and 2012, Shaquille led by example when he scored Rotorua Boys first century in six years earlier this year.

He followed that up with back-to-back centuries in a match against Katikati.

He has scored the fastest 50 in Rotorua Boys' High School history, off 20 balls, and has hit 29 50s for Rotorua Boys over the past four years.

Out of school, he has played for Bay of Plenty age group sides.

He has also represented the Northern Districts U15 and U17s development and the Northern Districts Maori Men's team.

He has played alongside Black Caps Daryl Tuffey and Trent Boult and is looking forward to matches against Croatia and the Cook Islands in the coming months. Last weekend, Shaquille played for the Northern Districts Maori team that defeated the New Zealand Masters, here in Rotorua.

Rotorua Boys' High School principal Chris Grinter said that Shaquille was an impressive young man who led by example at the school.

"He impresses in all that he contributes to our school."