22-year-old poses as high school star

A 22-year-old American man who posed as a high school student and led the school's basketball team to a successful season has been arrested.

Guerdwich Montimere claimed to be 16-year-old Jerry Joseph and enrolled at Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, a school made famous by the book and movie Friday Night Lights.

Montimere also claimed to be homeless and was taken in by the school's basketball coach.

Four years older than his teammates and opponents, he led the team to the Texas state playoffs before he was recognised at a tournament by coaches who saw him play for a Florida high school in 2007.

"I feel like I was hit by a ton of bricks," district athletic director Leon Fuller told the Associated Press. "In my 50 years in education, I've never heard of anything like this."

Montimere was charged with presenting false identification to a peace officer. If convicted he could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $NZ3,500.