Napier Tech announced a star-studded lineup of yesteryear to compete in the 2019 Trail Media Hawke's Bay Elite League. All the legends came out of the woodwork to compete in the newly formed league designed to pave a pathway for emerging young talent and provide an outlet for those wishing to play in a competitive environment.

Tech Captain Craig Findlay exclaims how exciting it would be for the youngsters that they can play against the likes of Paora Winitana, Everard Bartlett and Aidan Daly rather than their usual leagues. Findlay said it was a massive step up for the school teams which would prepare them for secondary school regionals and nationals. 

Despite the highest average age of their roster in the entire competition, Findlay said "Surprisingly enough, the body feels really good. Really enjoyed it...so look forward to playing again soon!" Findlay was excited by the opportunity to return the basketball scene and coax a few legends out of semi-retirement to compete such as Clifton Bush Jr, Ben Hill and Willie Burton.

A combination of the joys of competitive basketball, and the desire to provide helpful opposition to give back and develop the next generation guided the Tech Sweepers philosophy. So much so that the team gave up their place in the 3rd/4th playoff to give Napier Boys High School one more game before they leave on their quest to take the Secondary School Nationals crown next week in Palmerston North. 

Findlay said that while they couldn't jump as high as they could in their heyday they employed their knowledge and skills, including a sixth sense in anticipating moves, to negate youthful exuberance. Tech Sweepers beat finalists Hastings Old Boys in the round-robin before going down by single digits in last week's Semi-Finals, lost to the other finalist Kings by single digits and lost by only 3 to Toro Atu who went through the regular season undefeated. The old timers most certainly proved their mettle and showed how competitive they still are - while giving the younger players the opposition they need to prepare themselves for the next level.

Napier Tech Sweepers Roster

Aidan Daly, Point Guard

Everard Bartlett, Guard

Willie Burton, Forward

Clifton Bush Jr, Forward

Matt Edmondson, Guard

Craig Findlay, Forward (Captain)

Jordan Frisby, Guard

Ben Hill, Forward

Morgan Maskell, Guard

Tzar Smiler Sr, Guard

Paora Winitana Sr, Guard

Jack Smidt, Guard

- Partial credit to Anendra Singh, HB Today