Sport
1 March, 2026
First phase of success
CAIRNS teenager Baxta Hunt has relocated to Brisbane after securing a basketball scholarship while competing in an AAU tournament in January.
The 16-year-old travelled south to cover injured players in the AAU tournament and, within 48 hours, made the decision to move after being offered a scholarship at Brisbane Boys College.
His mother, Lori Hunt, said the opportunity came while he was playing in a Brisbane Royals kit.
“While he was down there in Brisbane playing to cover some injured players in the AAU tournament in January, not only did he have an absolute blast putting on a Brisbane Royals kit, but he also scored a basketball scholarship with Brisbane Boys College whilst he was there too.
“So in 48 hours, this 16-year-old born and bred in Cairns had to make the decision and relocate his life from the tropics to Brisbane, leaving behind his family, basketball family and CBI where he spent literally every day after school and all weekends, friends and Trinity Bay High School where he had spent 5 years of school life.”
Baxta Hunt is now in his fourth week at Brisbane Boys College.
“He is now in his fourth week at Brisbane Boys College and loving it,” Ms Hunt said.
“He is also off to America in July with Strive for a three-week tour to showcase his skills.”
Baxta Hunt began his sporting journey in rugby league, playing with Brothers Leagues Club for five years before turning to basketball.
“From a rugby league player with Brothers Leagues Club for five years to grieving the loss of his dad at 43 to cancer and taking up basketball as an outlet, destined for big things this kid, always digging deep, even more so on the days he doesn’t want to,” Ms Hunt said
With a scholarship secured and an international tour ahead, Baxta Hunt’s focus now turns to continuing his development at Brisbane Boys College as he pursues further opportunities in the sport.
