Hi, I am Reihana, I have been selected for the U17 Mens NZ Basketball team to travel to New Caledonia to compete in the FIBA Oceania Championships!

My older brother first got me into basketball at the age of 8. Everyday I’d come home from school to my older brother playing basketball at the old basketball hoops down the road from our house. He’d often ask me if I wanted to play a game of 1 v 1 with him at the courts and every time he would make me compete and challenge him, which I think is why I am the player I am today. He is the reason why I have a strong passion for the game.

My mum is a single parent and looked after my brother and I.  Although she managed to pay for most of our local fees, the costs for New Zealand camps and tournaments are always difficult to pay. As of 18 months ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to live with my coach and his family which has completely turned my life around. Moving in with the Lacey family not only gave me another chance at my goal but it also allowed me to have a better relationship with my parents.

My aspiration through basketball is to gain a full scholarship to attend University overseas to further my education. I am interested in studying sports psychology, music and carpentry.

The most challenging obstacle I have in my life is probably that I come from a hard background. This makes it difficult to afford the same opportunities as the others that I play with and against.  I am determined to find a way to help make my dreams come true.

I would be humbled and grateful to receive any support to get to New Caledonia.  I will play with pride and passion for you, my family and my country.

My achievements:

2019    New Zealand U17 Team

2019    U19 National Champion – Harbour

2019    6th place at Secondary School World Championships in Greece

2018    Secondary School National Champion – Rosmini College

2018    NZ Breakers Academy

2017    New Zealand U16 Team

2017    Secondary School National Champion – Rosmini College

2017    NZ Breakers Academy – only 12 high school players from all over NZ

2016    New Zealand U16 ‘Select’ Team

2016    Rosmini Senior Team as a Year 10

2016    Junior Premiership Champion – Rosmini College

2015    U15 National Champion & Tournament Team – Coast

2014    Northcote Intermediate Basketballer of the Year 2013    U13 National Champion