Rolleston Raptors impress on court

The Rolleston Raptors. Photo: Jane Hickling
The Rolleston Raptors. Photo: Jane Hickling
The Rolleston Raptors have won the men's grade in the Hornby Action Indoor Sports basketball league.

The team beat Gordon's Ballers in the final.

The team, made up of Rolleston High School students, used the competition over the summer to prepare for the upcoming secondary school basketball season. However, the season has been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Last year they finished second in the competition, with many of the Raptors then going on to play for the school and finish the South Island under-17 tournament in second, beating Christ's College along the way.

The Raptors formed two years ago so the players could have regular basketball during the off-season.

One of the player's parents Jane Hickling said the team have spent a lot of time at her house training in their own time and forming strong combinations.

She said some good friendships have been formed in the team.

"My son Bailey asked his dad (Steve Hickling) if he could make a team with his mates and if we could sponsor them.

"He said yes, and got them uniforms... it's been a great journey over the past few years," she said.