The American Samoa Basketball Federation have submitted a 26-name preliminary squad for the upcoming 2007 South Pacific Games which will be held in Apia, Samoa. The squad features Ata Perese and Vailili Malauulu, the leaders of the U21 team in the last FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament.
The American Samoa Basketball Federation have submitted a 26-name preliminary squad for the upcoming 2007 South Pacific Games which will be held in Apia, Samoa. The squad features Ata Perese and Vailili Malauulu, the leaders of the U21 team in the last FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. Five players are born in America and the country is a mix of samoan, american samoan and american citizens! Of course, they are all elligible to play with the American Samoa in this tournament. The most surprising player is Samuelu Fuimaono, who is living in Andorra, a small European country between France and Spain!
American Samoa extended squad - SPG 2007: Benjamin Ard David McMoore Sanele Sanele Reno Amisone Galhega Seagai Fagamalo Tuna Siaosi Lenisio Michael Keyser Sakaio Saofa'i Petaia Naea Eugene Brown Kelvin Tuamasaga Etelagi Tuimaseve Linfield Daniel Ata Perese Muliaga Iopu Bradford Faalili Vailili Malauulu Samuelu Fuimaono Bingham Fano Andrew Aumavae Shaun Tuiaana David Acosta Edward Purcell Soosoo Nelson Maluiaiga Tuamasaga
Two American Samoan players were selected in the Oceania All-Stars team after the 2006 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. The team made a tour in Australia and played in the U20 Nationals against the best australian players born in 1988 and 1989. The Oceania All-Stars were unable to win a single game in Australia but all the players should have learn a lot in this tournament.
Two American Samoan players were selected in the Oceania All-Stars team after the 2006 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. The team made a tour in Australia and played in the U20 Nationals against the best australian players born in 1988 and 1989. The Oceania All-Stars were unable to win a single game in Australia but all the players should have learn a lot in this tournament. Ata Perese (203-C) made some great games and was one of the best center in the tournament, on the other hand Vailili Malau'ulu (F) had more troubles to play his game against the australian defense.
Final Standings: New South Wales Queensland Western Australia Australia Capital Territory South Australia Victoria Tasmania Oceania All-Star
American Samoa came in New Zealand with an unexperienced squad to play the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. The team was made of the best players from the country's high-school league, unfortunatly the level played during the week in Auckland was just to high for the samoans. The team ended at the 7th spot with a 1-5 record.
American Samoa came in New Zealand with an unexperienced squad to play the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. The team was made of the best players from the country's high-school league, unfortunatly the level played during the week in Auckland was just to high for the samoans. The team ended at the 7th spot with a 1-5 record.
Despite its american heritage, American Samoa wasn't like the Dream Team during this tournament. The top Oceania level is nothing to be compare with the local high-school league. Of course, some samoan players are really good but they were dominated by taller and faster opponents. The team was only fielding 8 players for most of the games and the bench depth really was an issue for the coaches. Two players managed to play their usual game, Ata Perese and Vailili Malauulu, and they were rewarded by a spot in the Oceania All-Star Team. Perese was the best samoan during the week and despite being only 188cm tall he was one the best inside player on the court. Thanks to this tournament, the players from AmSam are now more used to the Oceania level and the country's national team should benefit from that experience during the 2007 South-Pacific Games. The travel to these Games would be short, they will be hosted by the near Samoa.
Pools: American Samoa - Tahiti: 49-75 The samoans were stuck in the tahitian defense during most of the game and only Ata Perese was able to score without forcing bad shots. Stats: Ata Perese 23pts 10/21FG 15rbs 4st, Eugene Brown 12pts 5/14FG, Niufolau Pua 6pts 3/5FG 5rbs
American Samoa - Guam: 83-102 AmSam was unable to stop the guamese offense. This game was the only one where the samoan players were the taller on the court, but that wasn't enough. Stats: Ata Perese 27pts 12/15FG 14rbs 3bs, Vailili Malauulu 17pts 6/12FG 9rbs, Niuafolau Pua 12pts 6/9FG
American Samoa - Australia: 33-124 A large loss to close the pool phase against a gifted australian team made of players born in 1990. Ata Perese played only 13 minutes before being fouled out. Stats: Eugene Brown 10pts 4/15FG, Vailili Malauulu 9pts 4/13FG 9rbs, Ata Perese 5pts 2/6FG 5pf 13min
Pool Standing: 1- Australia 3-0 2- Guam 2-1 3- Tahiti 1-2 4- American Samoa 0-3
Quarterfinals: American Samoa - New Zealand: 62-153 After the blowing loss to Australia, the samoans suffered another devastating crushing against the host nation en-route to the Gold medal. The Kiwis reached half-time on a 92-23 lead and used this game as a warm-up before the next stages. Good game from Vailili Malauulu and Ata Perese though. Stats: Vailili Malauulu 17pts 5/17FG 5rbs 2bs, Ata Perese 16pts 7/9FG, Tavita Meleah 11pts 1/5FG
Classification game: American Samoa - Guam: 62-73 A nice contest between the two american territories, the samoan held on during the first half of the game (29-32) but a most experienced Guam team was able to go off the court as winners. Ata Perese struggled with his shots and recorded a surprising 20pts 9/28FG 25rbs! Stats: Ata Perese 20pts 9/28FG 25rbs 3bs, Vailili Malauulu 12pts 6/16FG 15rbs, Niuafolau Pua 8pts 3/10FG
7th place game: American Samoa - Papua New Guinea: 93-81 The samoans finally secured a win to avoid the last seat in this event, thanks to a high-octane offense (57.5%FG), and a no-defense PNG team. Vailili Malauulu celebrated the end of the tournament with a team's high 33pts. Stats: Vailili Malauulu 33pts 16/20FG 10rbs 6bs, Ata Perese 21pts 10/14FG 17rbs 5ast, Eugene Brown 16pts 6/14FG
Final Standings: 1- New Zealand 2- Australia 3- New Caledonia 4- Tahiti 5- Guam 6- Fiji 7- American Samoa 8- Papua New Guinea
Players recap: Ata Perese (188-F/C) The team's captain and best player. Without him, the team might have been ridiculous. He did everything on the court, played small forward, power forward and even center. Despite being only 188cm tall he managed to dominate the paint thanks to a great jumping skills. Powerfull player who plays above his size, he would have been a terrific player if he was 15cm taller. He was selected in the Oceania All-Star team. Vailili Malauulu (F) The wing player made a great tournament on both side of the game. He can score, rebound, pass, steal and block the shots. His main weakness is three-point shooting. He needs to work on that and on his shooting selection but he has most of the tools to become a solid player. He was selected in the Oceania All-Star Team. Eugene Brown (G) The third option was the best outside offensive weapon of the team. Unstoppable when his shot his on, he had a lot of troubles like his teamates against the stronger defense. A nice scorer though with quick hands able to steal a couple of balls. Niuafolau Pua (C) The lone true center of the team. He suffered against stronger and taller opponents but he made some good games, he's got a nice hook shot in the paint and can set the picks for his teamates. He's less than 190cm tall, which is very small for a center. Christopher Samia (G) Back-up guard who spent some time at the PG position. He's got a nice shooting mechanics unfortunatly shooting in this tournament is not as easy as shooting in the samoan league. Tilo Luani (G) The starting PG did a nice job running the team, he's got a nice ball handling and managed to feed Perese and Malauulu on the offensive end. Scoring remains a concern for him, good rebounder though. Tavita Meleah (G/F) He played on the wings from the bench. He's kind of an unidimensional scorer unfortunatly he was unable to score during the tournament against stronger opposition. Poyer Samuelu (F/C) The first inside back-up on the bench, not very gifted offensively, he was able to give some rest to the starters. Hansel Maiava (F) The post player played only two games due to injury, his team missed his size.
The boys from American Samoa will be able to showcase their talent in the upcoming FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament for Men in Auckland, New Zealand. The team will be made of the best high-school players of the island but that might not be enough to compete for a medal.
The boys from American Samoa will be able to showcase their talent in the upcoming FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament for Men in Auckland, New Zealand. The team will be made of the best high-school players of the island but that might not be enough to compete for a medal.
Schedule: American Samoa - Tahiti On Oct 15 American Samoa - Guam on Oct 16 American Samoa - Australia on Oct 17 Playoffs on Oct 19-21
Preview: American Samoa is not used to play in the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament but the country has maybe the best high-school basketball program of all the South Pacific countries, if you let Australia and New Zealand aside of course. Thanks to the high-school league, Am Samoa official are able to scout the finest prospect of the country and the team should come to New Zealand will the best roster available. of course, US-based Leroy Lutu (180-G-89) was unable for this tournament. Unfortunatly, American Samoa will lack experience and might have some troubles to reach the semifinals. Prevision: 7th
You can follow this tournament on our special "FIBA Youth Tournament 2006" page, we will post a recap of the team's games during this event in the days following the Gold medal. Stay tuned.
American Samoa will play in the upcoming FIBA OCeania Youth Tournament which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, in three weeks. This tournament is for the players born in 1986 and later. The samon has been drawn in the pool B with Australia, Guam and Tahiti. The team will play against Tahiti and Guam before facing the all-might australian team.
American Samoa will play in the upcoming FIBA OCeania Youth Tournament which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, in three weeks. This tournament is for the players born in 1986 and later. The samon has been drawn in the pool B with Australia, Guam and Tahiti. The team will play against Tahiti and Guam before facing the all-might australian team. American Samoa will play to avoid the last spot in this poll and a deadly quarterfinal clash against the other pool's top team which is likely to be the host nation New Zealand.
Pool B: Australia Guam American Samoa Tahiti
American Samoa schedule: Oct 15: American Samoa - Tahiti Oct 16: American Samoa - Guam Oct 17: American Samoa - Australia Oct 19-21: playoffs
The Pago Youth, in gold and black, were named the 2006 Fagaloa District Basketball League Champions following their blowout victory against the Faga'alu Fetu, the only team that ruined the Eagles' almost clean record in the league. Pago almost finished the league without a loss, but a solitary defeat by Faga'alu last week spoiled their record.
The Pago Youth, in gold and black, were named the 2006 Fagaloa District Basketball League Champions following their blowout victory against the Faga'alu Fetu, the only team that ruined the Eagles' almost clean record in the league. Pago almost finished the league without a loss, but a solitary defeat by Faga'alu last week spoiled their record. Just one loss, however, was not enough to steal the top spot from the Eagles and in the final game, Pago demolished the Fetu 75-37.
The Fetu finished in second place, the Pago Kings in third, Fagatogo in fourth, Fagasa in fifth and Utulei in sixth. Early on in the league, after several forfeits, Fagaitua bowed out of the league. All teams received trophies and cash prizes. At half-time six females were invited to bank the basketball from the red line to win $10. None of the females were able to make it in. Fagaloa plans to keep the ball rolling and will be holding a basketball clinic in the summer that will possibly include a clinic for women if the interest is there. The clinic is an extension of the Pago Pago basketball clinic spearheaded by Milton Taufa'asau, who was elected Fagaloa President by the committee. Kelvin helped to seal Pago's victory with 20 points in the game, and in the end he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Fagaloa League. Fagasa took home the Best Sportsmanship award, and two awards were given to Utulei and the Pago Kings for Best Uniform. Referees for the final game were Pago residents Gordon Coffin and Wally Taufa'asau and Fagatogo Blue Boys' Sam Savali. Officials were also rewarded with tokens of appreciation from the league. Many, many missed shots, too many fouls and their inability to keep up with the very fast paced Pago Eagles running game left Faga'alu at number two. Nevertheless, Faga'alu accepted their second place trophy with a smile and drove off like champions.
PAGO EAGLES - FAGA'ALU FETU: 75-37 Two minutes into the game, the first score came from Pago's #7, Shawn, who made good with 2 points on a lay-up. The first score on the Fetu side came from six-footer, #16, Leroy Lutu, who tipped it in after two failed attempts from his teammates. Starters on Pago were Aries, Kelvin, Avele, Shawn and Reno. On the Fagaalu side were Leroy, Swei, Penitito, Tuliese and Paulo. At the end of the first quarter, Pago was just three points over Faga'alu, 15-12. At the beginning of the second quarter, Pago's Jedediah, #12 was called on a foul against Lutu. Lutu missed on the first bonus shot, but made good on the second, putting them 13-17. Soon afterwards, Kelvin, who would later be named MVP sank it in on lay-up, putting the game at 17-13. The towers of the Pago team, brothers Kelvin and Aries were absolutely unstoppable. Faga'alu had to give up two points on a technical foul for having six men on the court. Pago was able to keep Fagaalu at bay with only 21 points nearing half-time while the Eagles soared to 47 points when the half time horn sounded. Up until the first half the game, the Fetu were running closely behind Pago, however, their shine became less than lackluster following half-time. Pago racked up 16 points in the third quarter but was called on a technical foul for having non-players sitting at the players' bench. Faga'alu proved they were still in the game with lay-up from Tuliese and at the end of the third the score was 63-23 Pago Eagles. One of the youngest of the Eagles, Reno, #4, made good with an exciting reverse lay-up that was followed by a time-out from Pago Pago. Pago returned from the time-out to pummel the Fetu with two more points from Kelvin and then a three-pointer from Faga'alu's Tony, #1, which put Pago at 69-37. With only three minutes left in the game, it was evident that Faga'alu couldn't make up the 38 point lead by Pago.
The Pago Youth, in gold and black, were named the 2006 Fagaloa District Basketball League Champions on Monday night following their blowout victory against the Faga'alu Fetu, the only team that ruined the Eagles' almost clean record in the league.
Pago almost finished the league without a loss, but a solitary defeat by Faga'alu last week spoiled their record.
The Pago Youth, in gold and black, were named the 2006 Fagaloa District Basketball League Champions on Monday night following their blowout victory against the Faga'alu Fetu, the only team that ruined the Eagles' almost clean record in the league. Pago almost finished the league without a loss, but a solitary defeat by Faga'alu last week spoiled their record. Just one loss, however, was not enough to steal the top spot from the Eagles and in the final game, Pago demolished the Fetu 75-37. The Fetu finished in second place, the Pago Kings in third, Fagatogo in fourth, Fagasa in fifth and Utulei in sixth. Early on in the league, after several forfeits, Fagaitua bowed out of the league. All teams received trophies and cash prizes. At half-time six females were invited to bank the basketball from the red line to win $10. None of the females were able to make it in. Kelvin helped to seal Pago's victory with 20 points in the game, and in the end he was named the MVP of the Fagaloa League. Fagasa took home the Best Sportsmanship award, and two awards were given to Utulei and the Pago Kings for Best Uniform. Referees for the final game were Pago residents Gordon Coffin and Wally Taufa'asau and Fagatogo Blue Boys' Sam Savali. Officials were also rewarded with tokens of appreciation from the league. Many, many missed shots, too many fouls and their inability to keep up with the very fast paced Pago Eagles running game left Faga'alu at number two. Nevertheless, Faga'alu accepted their second place trophy with a smile and drove off like champions. PAGO EAGLES, 75 FAGA'ALU FETU, 37 Starters on Pago were Aries, Kelvin, Avele, Shawn and Reno. On the Fagaalu side were Leroy, Swei, Penitito, Tuliese and Paulo. At the end of the first quarter, Pago was just three points over Faga'alu, 15-12. At the beginning of the second quarter, Pago's Jedediah, #12 was called on a foul against Lutu. Lutu missed on the first bonus shot, but made good on the second, putting them 13-17. Soon afterwards, Kelvin, who would later be named MVP sank it in on lay-up, putting the game at 17-13. The towers of the Pago team, brothers Kelvin and Aries were absolutely unstoppable. Faga'alu had to give up two points on a technical foul for having six men on the court. Pago was able to keep Fagaalu at bay with only 21 points nearing half-time while the Eagles soared to 47 points when the half time horn sounded. Up until the first half the game, the Fetu were running closely behind Pago, however, their shine became less than lackluster following half-time. Pago racked up 16 points in the third quarter but was called on a technical foul for having non-players sitting at the players' bench. Faga'alu proved they were still in the game with lay-up from Tuliese and at the end of the third the score was 63-23 Pago Eagles. One of the youngest of the Eagles, Reno, #4, made good with an exciting reverse lay-up that was followed by a time-out from Pago Pago. Pago returned from the time-out to pummel the Fetu with two more points from Kelvin and then a three-pointer from Faga'alu's Tony, #1, which put Pago at 69-37. With only three minutes left in the game, it was evident that Faga'alu couldn't make up the 38 point lead by Pago. (Courtesy of SportingPulse)
After a pretty disapointing season, the Mercer Island HS team didn't make the conference playoffs this season. But Leroy Lutu can be proud of his season, he was the team's leading scorer in his sophomore year.
The Islanders had a 7-8 record in their conference, 10-13 overall, and they didn't make it to the playoffs but Leroy Lutu really made his mark this season.
After a pretty disapointing season, the Mercer Island HS team didn't make the conference playoffs this season. But Leroy Lutu can be proud of his season, he was the team's leading scorer in his sophomore year.
The Islanders had a 7-8 record in their conference, 10-13 overall, and they didn't make it to the playoffs but Leroy Lutu really made his mark this season. Usually in high-school basketball the freshmen and the sophomores (15 and 16-year old) are not playing much in the varsity team and the leaders are the juniors and the seniors (17 and 18-year old). But Lutu was his team's leading scorer and arguably the best players after playing only two games last season in his freshman year. He averaged 12.6ppg with 49.4% from the field, which is pretty great for an high-school player. He was the conference's fifth leading scorer and made some great games this season: 28pts 6rbs and 7st vs Liberty on Jan 13th, 22pts and 5rbs vs Issaquah on Jan 20th and 21pts vs Sammamish on Jan 24th. Now Leroy will focus on studying and will come back stronger next year for his junior year at Mercer Island HS. Leroy Lutu's stats: 12.6pts 49.4%FG 64.0%FT 3.5rbs 1.6ast 1.4st
