**Nate Clarke leaps toward the title of 2026 JSC Dunk Champion.**

Taupō teenager Nate Clarke can lay claim to having the best slam-dunk in youth basketball after leaping his way to the title of 2026 JSC Dunk Champion at the Hoopnation Junior Showcase on the weekend.

Nate is 15 years old, but already stands 203cm tall (6’ 8”), making him an integral part of any team he plays in.

He was part of a combined Taupō and Rotorua team Brotherz, which came third in its age group. In the slam dunk contest, he was competing against older players in the contest which featured nominees from about 90 teams.

Despite not being the tallest competitor - one participant measured 6 foot 11 inches – Nate had the razzle dazzle and crowd appeal to take out the win.

Judges allocate points for crowd reaction and the force of the dunk.

Competitors are nominated for the slam dunk competition through social media posts. Clarke’s crowd-pleasing style of play meant he received multiple nominations.

"I've always been passionate about dunking ever since I got dunked on at one tournament. So, yeah, sort of like motivation for me."

Clarke's prize package included $250 cash, t-shirt, and a hoodie but the title of Slam Dunk Champion is worth the most.

**Nate celebrates after his crowd-pleasing slam dunk.**

Basketball has been Clarke's primary sport since he was 12.

"Everyone was like ‘oh, you're tall, come play basketball’. ‘Okay, I'll give it a go’. And then ever since then I just fell in love with the sport really."

Clarke plays for multiple teams, including an under-20s team. His height and versatility mean he plays in many different positions. In last week’s tournament he played in the centre because his height makes him an easy target for teammates.

Clarke's success comes as he prepares for upcoming competitions. His under-20s team faces qualifiers this weekend in Cambridge for the national championships. If successful, the team will advance to Wellington for the New Zealand national finals.

Nate’s goal is to eventually play in the NBA in the United States. He gets compared with NBA star Steven Adams from Rotorua but wants to establish his own identity.

"Everyone says I'm going to be the next Steven Adams. I sort of just want to be my own.”

Clarke has already attracted attention from basketball agents who were present at the tournament. He was scheduled to meet with representatives this week to discuss potential pathways and opportunities for his development.

His Mum Tarsh Te Wake is quick to point out that his professional ambitions will have to work alongside his education.

"He's only 15. He's got to get back to school."

The upcoming qualifiers in Cambridge will provide another opportunity for Clarke to showcase his abilities on a larger stage, potentially opening doors to national-level competition and further development opportunities in New Zealand basketball.