Reireis 2016 NZ Basketball U16 Boys Rep: Australian State Champs

Reihana 'Rei Rei' Maxwell-Topia (#15) is one of the youngest triallists selected for the 2016 Under 16 Boys New Zealand Basketball squad of 20.

Reihana has worked hard at school and at his chosen sport for the past three years, despite an adverse socio-economic background and difficult family health issues.

The squad is being trained for either the BBNZ A Team of 10 athletes, who will play at the Under 16 Australia State Championships in Kilsyth, VIC between the 20th June and the 10th July, or for the remaining 10 players, at the prestigious National Junior Classic tournament, organised by the Victorian Junior Basketball League in association with Basketball Australia, between the 9th and 14th of June.

This is an important age group in the BBNZ age groups as they will be competing in the FIBA Oceania Championships next year, which is the qualifying tournament for the Under 17 World Championships the following year.

The cost for the finals trials camp was $500, while a further five training camps up until June are estimated to cost around $250 each. This totals $1750 for training alone.

In addition, registrations, accommodation, food and travel to and while in Australia are an estimated $3000 altogether.

The full cost is therefore approximately $4750. This amount is now reduced however, by just over $1000 paid directly to BBNZ, thanks to Reihanas' maternal immediate and extended family in Australia. Nga mihi nui e te whanau.