when it comes to any detail that can impact on our training in a negative way. We stay strong because we are disciplined.” Ihaka believes that the boys have coped with all the pressure “by simply ignoring it” and continuing to “refine our habits – on and off the court – to such a high standard”. “This title builds on our legacy as a school. We are a school that praises quality, effort, and unity and this title reflects those values. I hope it stands as a goal and aspiration for all those boys coming to College.” In 2024, College has truly scaled the heights of premier basketball, driven to win by remarkable players and their inspiring coaches and team manager. All the boys have given their best, standing strong, totally united as a formidable team while literally lifting their game throughout the national tournament. While both Tama and Ihaka have been named in the prestigious national tournament team of five, each player has been integral to the remarkable run of wins throughout the season. At present, the College A team also features three New Zealand representatives, brothers Ihaka and Tawhiri Cate, and Tama. However, all the boys have performed at the highest level, and never flinched under immense pressure. In 2024, College’s premier players include Ihaka, Tama, Tawhiri, Hoani, Boston, Aston, Truman, Gus, Archie Nijjar, Harrison Laing, Harry Flatman, Matthew
McQuillan, Josh Shannahan, Ben Campbell, Benson Huang, and Lucca Kenny. Coach Quinn Clinton and assistant coaches Fox Gray and Tom Higgins have set the game plan for the standout season. That includes College lifting the Thomson Trophy for the fourth time and outplaying every Canterbury rival. Since the regional competition’s inception in 2015, College has landed the ‘triple’ in 2020, 2021, 2022, adding the fourth title in 2024, and finishing runner-up in 2017 and 2023.
34
MOTIVATION
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs