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<\/p>\nDilworth Basketball is entering a significant chapter as they prepare for the Secondary School Nationals later this month.<\/p>\n
With the right leadership in place, the team are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.<\/p>\n
Premier Basketball coach Josiah Maama brings the right blend of expertise and genuine passion for both the game and players, making him an ideal leader for the team\u2019s aspirations.<\/p>\n
While coaching requires time and sacrifice, Maama is grateful for his athletes, who make his coaching journey worthwhile.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really enjoy the game of Basketball, but I think the biggest thing for me is it just happens to be something that I can affect change in, in other people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
At the same time, these young men influence my life too and give me reason to put in the hours. I think the coolest thing is that it\u2019s something that, collectively, you can achieve something massive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re obviously qualified for nationals now\u2026 not many people can say they have the opportunity to pursue that, so I think that\u2019s one of the biggest whys,\u201d Maama says.<\/p>\n
Maama also says that managing the personalities of young athletes has its challenges, which is a natural part of dealing with youthful energy. But their professionalism and the way they carry themselves reflect the strong culture they\u2019ve built.<\/p>\n
After claiming the Auckland Premier Basketball title for the first time with an 88-80 win over Westlake, and securing the AA Zone 1 Championship earlier this year, Maama and his team are ready to face the new challenges that await them at Nationals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think when you win a tournament like regionals and the Auckland Premiership, people put a target on your back and people label you with favourite tags. But we\u2019ve been talking to the boys about ignoring it. We didn\u2019t get here by having those expectations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never really focus on the result, we focus on the process and I know that sounds clich\u00e9, but that is genuinely how we run our programme, and we got here through hard work,\u201d Maama says.<\/p>\n
With North Shore powerhouses like Westlake and Rosmini dominating the basketball scene for years, Dilworth\u2019s win over them in the national qualifiers was more than just an upset; it was a testament to the team\u2019s unwavering culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing that we stand on is just our values. The boys are a good bunch of Basketball players, but if you see them off the court, you\u2019ll understand that they are so much more than just Basketball players. The way they move and carry themselves, they\u2019re very respectful in all spaces, and I think it shows in their game.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s also cool, reminiscing of Dilworth in the old days and the Onehunga teams in the 2007s and 2008s. It\u2019s just good to see a bunch of poly boys really enjoy Basketball alongside their mates at a high level,\u201d Maama says.<\/p>\n
Despite some challenges the school has faced in recent years, Maama believes that the basketball team\u2019s achievements provide hope and contribute to restoring pride in the school\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n
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Dilworth Basketball after claiming the Auckland Premier Basketball title for the first time. Photo\/Dilworth School\/Facebook<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you google Dilworth, it\u2019s not the greatest results\u2026 but to bring some positive light to the school is something to be proud of, I think that’s what matters most to us.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been awesome to see all the old boys and their feedback and how proud they are to be from Dilworth for this achievement that was achieved by not just our boys playing, but also everyone before us,\u201d Maama says.<\/p>\n