for the third time in a row, and then take the South Island title. However, our true goal was the national secondary school title. “I grew as a player and teammate throughout 2022. That team bonding and the high-level consistency of the training and working to put my mind to each game made me so much better – and that culminated in the national title. Now, basketball is my ‘big sport’ focus.” His opportunities at College align with his long-term aspirations. “I just want to succeed and, hopefully, this is setting me up
to go to university in the United States and play basketball,” Ihaka says. “The support of Ben Sheat and the Mainland Eagles Academy – along with College providing all the resources I need – has put me in a position to achieve my long-term goal.” Off the court, Ihaka is focusing on Science and Mathematics, with a post-sport career in engineering in academic play. “I want to win another national title with College, strive to continue to achieve highly academically, and enjoy my kapa haka,” he says.
Fluent in Māori, Ihaka is committed to “keeping my culture alive and striving to have a bigger impact on the school in 2023” by introducing new Māori culture as a member of the College Bicultural Committee. “I want to weave that culture into school life,” Ihaka explains. “College offers so many amazing opportunities and that, in turn, offers a path to the variety of options beyond the school gates that can lead to me achieving my goals,” he says.
COLLEGE 2023
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