Culture behind Aparima College basketball success

We often hear about the importance of building a team culture which will help drive unity, motivation and ultimately be one of the factors that will contribute to a sports team's success

This has definitely played a part in Aparima College's basketball success, with their Year 7/8 teams in the Invercargill basketball competition.

Aparima College has had an explosion of interest from students in basketball over the past year so the school has worked hard to engage students and provide the opportunity to play in a regular competition.

Part of building a culture and instilling team pride was providing new uniforms, with the design being developed locally.

The uniforms were made possible by funding from the Kiwisport Partnership Fund.

Students have pride in wearing their new uniforms.

The year 7/8 boys were played in the top grade for only the second time. They have been focusing on developing a team culture over the past couple of years.

Part of this was around preparation and training The boys train once after school and then are provided an opportunity to train and play games on the weekend.

The regular training has paid dividends with the boys going through the regular season undefeated and also continuing this on in the final to win a cracking final against Verdon Thunder 43-32.

Year 7/8 girls played in the B Grade basketball competition. A couple of girls had played last year and they stepped up to the plate and directed the team and helped the girls that were playing for the first time.

The team was undefeated during the round robin competition and continued this on to win the final against St John's Breakers 34-8.

The girls trained after school and with the boys, and that definitely added a harder edge to their game.

Both teams had students that had not played before and they were welcomed in and encouraged to perform to their best and operate within the team environment.

Good positive coaching was provided, with local parent Shane Galvin stepping in to coach for the season.

All these factors have contributed to a really successful and positive season for the students.

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