He has been coaching at Tauranga Girls' College for four years since his aunty, Melanie Bennett, got him involved and said it was the people that kept him there.
"She's the one who got me along this pathway and I wouldn't be receiving any of this recognition without her," Mr Bennett said.
He said he was accepting the award on behalf of the huge network of people that were part of his journey.
"It's something I can share with everyone who has been a part of Tauranga Girls' College basketball," he said, giving special mention to his aunty, his team, and their parents.
The biggest reward was seeing the girls build confidence, self-esteem and improve their skills.
