Jayze’lee Waihi and Paora Winitana, Jr. both brought home the coveted title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) from the New Zealand Under 15 National Basketball Tournament held in Dunedin, New Zealand last week.
Jayze’lee was awarded the under 15 girls MVP, and Paora the under 15 boys MVP.
Candidates for MVP’s are selected from the winning teams, then winners are picked by Basketball New Zealand.
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Jayze’lee Waihi, 14, recently returned from Australia with the New Zealand Under 16 Select Women’s Team. Last year her team won the National Basketball Secondary School title.
She says, “I enjoy playing basketball. Throughout the years, I have been developing my skills, mental toughness, work ethic, values and education to ensure that I can receive a college scholarship in the United States.”
Jayze’lee hopes to play for Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Besides the many hours of practice required to play at her level, she manages to attend a 6:00 a.m. scripture class at her local church and has held a leadership position in her congregation’s youth group. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The eldest of six children, Paora Winitana Jr. also manages a tight schedule that includes basketball training, school, a cleaning job and church activities.
He also attends an early morning scripture class and holds a youth leadership position in his local Latter-day Saint congregation.
Paora also aspires to play college basketball for Brigham Young University.
His mother says, “although this achievement makes us very proud, our proudest moments are of him being a leader on court, at church, at school and for being a good example to his siblings.”