Seconds into a conversation with Hape and it was easy to gauge why it will be tough to find anybody who will disagree with Small.
Despite being a second-year player in the team and the scorer of 10 tries to date this season, Hape, 18, almost gave the impression he's one of the rookies.
"This season has been a real eye-pener ... very surprising," Hape said, as he reflected on the team's 17 consecutive wins to date which include the winning of the Hurricanes and Super 8 titles.
He wasn't concerned about New Zealand Secondary Schools team selection or any other individual honour.
"If I got that opportunity, it would be great. But I just enjoy playing for the school and the boys," Hape said.
A tail bone injury collected during his year 10 season prevented him from playing during his year 11 winter. He regained his confidence on the field last year and, this season, has been an outstanding finisher and gutsy defender for the Mark Ozich, Tafai Ioasa-coached team.
"There's heaps of room for improvement in my game as well as the team's," Hape said.
Although Hastings beat Hamilton Boys 30-8 in the Super 8 final at Hastings three weeks ago, there will be no complacency in their camp when they run out on the neutral field today.
"Hamilton will bring a better game and it will be a case of who brings the best on the day," Hape said.
Hape started rugby when he was nine. He played for Tamatea during his eighth and ninth grade years but switched to Hastings Rugby and Sports for his 11th and 12th grade years when Tamatea didn't have enough players.
A former Hawke's Bay under-14 and under-16 rugby rep, Hape also made the New Zealand Maori under-15 rugby league team.
"League isn't as well organised as rugby, so I'm fully focused on rugby now," he said.
He has yet to decide whether he will return to school next year or enter the work force. He is considering a career as a teacher.
"It will either be teaching or some sort of trade ... as long as I'm busy," he added.
Today's other semifinal will see Mount Albert Grammar take on Southland Boys' High School. For those unable to make the trip to Palmerston North, today's and Sunday's games will be televised live on the Rugby Channel.
Both teams:
Hastings Boys' High School: Danny Toala, Dennon Robinson, Hunta Marsh, Liam Udy-Johns, Trent Hape, Lincoln McClutchie (vice captain), Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Xavier Hill, Donovan Mataira, Tane Hohipa, Jesse Sipaia, Aleki Vuki, Jacob Devery, Kianu Kereru-Symes (captain).
Substitutes, forwards: Miracle Lolofie, Josiah Tavita, Aiden Fleming, Jeriah Mua.
Backs: Gideon Kautai, Reno Jardine, Jacob Stephenson.
Hamilton Boys' High School (likely): Joshua Moorby, Kieran Lee, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi (captain), Caleb Muntz, Raiki Wilson, Xavier Roe, Patrick McCurran, Joe Vaka, Connor Loomans, Hadleigh Morgan, Tom Martin, Sosaia Fale, Sam Alsemgeest, Mathew Kemp.
Substitutes, forwards: Tane Te Aho, Austin Pepperell, Elijah Cracknell, Israel Immanueli.
Backs, Sam Babb, Charlie Lawrence, Shannon Wilson.
