It was a historic week at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North, where Westlake Girls’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School both etched their names into New Zealand basketball history with dominant performances at the 2025 AA National Secondary Schools Basketball Championships.
Westlake Girls’ High School delivered a masterclass in dominance, defeating Hamilton Girls’ High School 102-72 to claim their fourth consecutive national title — a feat only achieved by a handful of schools in the tournament’s storied history. Led by the dynamic guard duo Emma Schroeder and Sahara Katene (23 points each), Westlake’s relentless pace and sharp execution overwhelmed their opponents from the very first quarter. Inside the paint, Imani Rasmussen and Katie Moors anchored the team’s defense and controlled the boards, helping Westlake secure another spot in the record books.
In the third-place playoff, Tauranga Girls’ College secured a well-deserved victory over St Kentigern College, finishing the tournament on a high.
On the boys’ side, Shirley Boys’ High School made history of their own, capturing their first-ever championship title with a 94-81 victory over Christ’s College. Down by three points with less than four minutes to play, Shirley mounted a stunning comeback, outscoring their opponents 17-1 in the closing minutes. Toby Hunt was unstoppable with 31 points, while Milan Newton added 29 points and 9 assists in a performance that will be remembered for years.
Westlake Boys’ High School also impressed, defeating Auckland Grammar School to secure third place.
The championships once again highlighted the depth of talent and passion in New Zealand’s youth basketball scene. From record-breaking performances to unforgettable comebacks, the 2025 edition proved why the AA Nationals remain one of the country’s most anticipated school sporting events.
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