Congratulations to Westlake Boys High School on retaining the Secondary Schools National Title. I doubt that the top three places (Rangitoto College finished second and Rosmini third) have ever before been occupied by schools from the same local association /catchment area.
The success enjoyed by Harbour schools in recent years only serves to highlight a gap in the development programme necessary for these players to progress once their school years conclude. It is frustrating that the river of talent that continues to flow out of North Harbour ends washed up on some far-flung beaches. These players should be progressing their careers in a Harbour Heat NBL team, not jumping in a van and driving to Hamilton twice a week for training or relocating to a more distant destination.
Sure we have the Breakers on our doorstep but they are only able to provide for the very best players at the top of the ability pyramid. Sure we have the Super City Rangers out West but understandably they are catering predominantly for Waitakere players. Sure we have some quality players heading oversees to pursue US College careers but surely we need the Heat back in some shape or form?
The active group of players below highlights the talent that has been produced in the last few years between Devonport and Albany. One can only dream of this gifted group suited up in maroon and white.
Kirk Penney, Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie, Isaac Fotu, Rob Loe, Jarrod Kenny, Tai Webster and Jack Salt backed up by Marco Alexander, Brad Anderson, Anamata Haku and Rory Fannon. That’s eight current or recent Tall Blacks supported by four NBL players.
All the above grew up on the Shore playing age group basketball for North Harbour and attending Westlake Boys or Rangitoto College (except Anderson who was home educated and Haku who transferred to Rosmini in his final year at school).
Alexander and Haku (Waikato Pistons), Fannon (Nelson Giants), Anderson (Taranaki) have been forced to take their talents south of the Bombay’s. The 2013 school graduates include age group internationals Josh Howe, Jaylen Gerrand, Derone Rukawa, and Luuk Witteveen – all deserve to be playing in the NBL in 2014, it’s just a shame it’s unlikely to be in Harbour colours.
LACEY LOWDOWN 