Basketball: Napier BHS stumble, Hastings BHS fancy chances at high school nationals in Palmy

Some of the HBHS team: Henry Ah Funny (left), Joshua Tarrega, coach Curtis Wooten, Devante Miller, Jershon Tatana and Tuehu Spooner. Photo/file

Napier Boys' High School had a hiccup this morning to lose their unblemished status but Hastings Boys' High School are simply excited about the prospect of becoming top qualifiers at the high school basketball nationals in Palmerston North.

The Damion and Dwayne Davies-coached NBHS side uncharacteristically stumbled by 13 points to winless Waimea College in pool D, according to HBHS coach Curtis Wooten.

The second-placed Sky Blues need to beat undefeated, pool-topping Cashmere College at 7.30pm today earn the right to a straight playoffs berth in the new format on day three of the AA boys' Schick Championship.

NBHS have beaten St Patrick's College (Kilbirnie) 92-59, Macleans College 98-71 and Tauranga Boys' College 83-70.

In pool C, second-placed HBHS were coming off a high yesterday of beating Auckland Grammar School 94-92 to out muscle Otago Boys' High 80-76 this morning.

Wooten said HBHS had to beat Palmerston North BHS in a 7.30pm tip off as well to make it to the top of their pool.

"If we finish second we'll probably play St Pat's Town [Wellington]," he said, delighted to have his entire team available for the first time this year.

They have lost 75-56 to Rangitoto College but beaten Middleton Grange 91-76. Against Otago BHS, his team played "huge minutes" off the bench after "everyone" fell into foul trouble.

"The refereeing was good. It's just that the players didn't adjust quickly," he said of HBHS who finished last in the Super 8 competition but are finding some mojo now.

In pool D of the AA girls' competition, Napier Girls' High School were in third place with two wins and a defeat at the last check.

NGHS have crushed 46 Waimea College 85-46 and Fraser High School 51-27 but have succumbed 64-52 to Auckland Girls' Grammar School.

Napier Boys' High School senior basketball team, who are gunning for the school's second national crown. Photo/supplied