Very modest Xzavia admitted he's won "a few academic awards" and he's top of his class.
"I aspire to do even better," he said.
Year 10MA class captain, Xzavia realises what huge financial sacrifices his parents make for his sport.
"When we win a big game I get quite emotional," he said. "I think of all the sacrifices they've made and I'm glad to give them the reward of my success. They're my motivating force and keep me going when times are tough. I do what I do for them."
His mother said, "when Xzavia succeeds, the family does too".
But, on a limited income, it's been difficult for the family to meet the financial requirements of Xzavia and his younger brother, Kahn, 12 who is a member of the Dannevirke Tigers Under 13 rugby league team and also a top basketball player.
"It's a very vigorous selection process to be selected for the New Zealand team and Xzavia has attended nine training camps since last October which cost up to $365 each," Johnathan said. "But you do what you can for your kids."
To attend the Medibank Classic tournament in Melbourne in June will cost the family a minimum of $2500, with money to find for two more training camps this month and next and Xzavia needs a new pair of his size 13 basketball shoes.
"It's a huge drain on our family finances," Johnathan said. "Because of our work, we're on a benefit half the time, so we've relied on our family to help, as well as making a lot of sacrifices ourselves."
The family put in an application to the Tararua District Council's international sportsperson fund, but unfortunately at the moment it's depleted, they've been told.
Sport Manawatu's Tararua co-ordinator, Natarsha Nikora, is forwarding their application to the Dannevirke Community Board, but the family are also hoping some generous benefactors may chip in.
Xzavia is also a member of the Manawatu Under 17 representative basketball team too, but, despite his hectic sporting life, studies come first.
"I want to be a chiropractor or physiotherapist and I'm aiming for a scholarship to an American college," he said.
Xzavia's family appreciates the help their son has had to help him reach his goals.
"Playing basketball in Gisborne ignited the flame and his coach, Tim McTamney, has helped to develop his game and take him from a tall, big man to a shooting guard," Johnathan said. "He's been very instrumental in his progress."
Howard Pinder, a senior master at Palmerston Boys' High, has been the 14-year-old's mentor and Xzavia stays with him and his wife two or three nights a week to help ease the burden of travel costs.
"We're very appreciative of their help," Johnathan said. "Mr Pinder and his wife treat him as one of their own."
* If you would like to help Xzavia with the cost of representing New Zealand at the Melbourne basketball tournament phone his father on 022 651 5011.