Posted on Friday, April 17th, 2026
Game Recap: Hawks v Jets
Result: Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks (102) are defeated by Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (109).
Fans would be absolutely treated an incredible game as both the Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks and the Property Brokers Manawatū Jets would hunt for their first win of the season. Both teams started the matchup undersized which meant plenty of shots would come from 3 point land… and they did. The first quarter was a barrage of 3’s in which a high scoring 36-32 quarter would favour the visitors. The Hawks would stay close, with the brilliance of Dan Grida showing once again. His 33 points were important in keeping the Hawks in it. Kaden Sand was incredible, putting in 19 points in the first half, only to double that and total 39 points, a Sal’s NBL season high. Jackson Ball proved to be an effective piece off the bench, providing 19 points and equaling Dan Grida for a team high 7 rebounds. During the clutch the Jets stood up. Jamal Poplar Jr., Kaden Sand and Hamza Zahran all provided impactful buckets while the Hawks struggled for offence. What was a 100-100 scoreline would go in favour of the Jets as they took their first win of the season 109-102.
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Dan Grida (33p, 7r), Keanu Rasmussen (21p, 5a, 2s), Jackson Ball (19p, 7r, 4a, 2s)
Manawatū Jets: Kaden Sand (39p, 10r, 5a), Jamal Poplar Jr. (24p, 8r), Hamza Zahran (17p, 6r)
MVP Votes:
Kaden Sand (Jets) – 10
Dan Grida (Hawks) – 8
Jamal Poplar Jr. (Jets) – 6
Keanu Rasmussen (Hawks) – 4
Jackson Ball (Hawks) – 1
Lukah Richards (Jets) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks (26) are defeated by Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (41)
After an extremely dominant 52-20 win earlier in the week, fans would be expecting a similar result against a Manawatū side who was missing their leading point scorer. But nonetheless, the Jets would come out blazing. The away team launched 3’s at an incredible rate. Initially dropping 5 of 6 while the Hawks struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. A 19-6 first quarter would turn into a 27-16 half.
In the second half, the Hawks would draw it close, eventually closing up the game to a 6 point difference, but Boston Caldwell would bring the Jets across the line. He poured in an incredible 21 points in the effort as the Jets would go up 2-1 in their Rapid League season.
Leading Players
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Jacob Murphy (10p), Clifton Bush III (10p, 3r)
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets: Boston Caldwell (21p, 3r), Christian McDaniel (4p, 9r, 7a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Boston Caldwell (Jets) – 10
Christian McDaniel (Jets) – 5
Isaac Makoii (Jets) – 4
Jacob Murphy (Hawks) – 4
Clifton Bush III (Hawks) – 3
Jackson Ball (Hawks) – 3
Ihaia Abbott (Jets) – 1