Solomon Islands - Samoa 48:91
Solomon Islands began the South Pacific Games basketball tournament with two straight defeats. In their opening game they faced hosting Samoa and were rallied over 48:91. The outcome was mainly built in the first half when Samoa played tight defence and allowed Solomon Islands to just 12 points.
Solomon Islands - Samoa 48:91 Solomon Islands began the South Pacific Games basketball tournament with two straight defeats. In their opening game they faced hosting Samoa and were rallied over 48:91. The outcome was mainly built in the first half when Samoa played tight defence and allowed Solomon Islands to just 12 points. The home side scored 30 points and grabbed an early 30:12 advantage at halftime. Samoa however did not allow Solomon Islands to come any closer after the intermission and drove to a win. Six Samoa players scored in double figures. Julius Barnes (186-G-81, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) netted 20 points to lead them. Three players delivered 13 points in a win. Waiges Turueke scored 11 points for Solomon Islands. Goldie Kavi produced 8 points in a losing clause. Solomon Islands shot 62% from the field and 54% from charity stripe. But they were outrebounded 20:22.
Solomon Islands - Guam 50:96 Guam took on Solomon Islands in the second round of action and recorded their second straight success. Guam spurred ahead from the start of the encounter and piled up a 43:22 advantage at halftime. Guam continued to deliver after the break and established a 68:31 lead entering the fourth quarter. They cruised to a confident win at the end and improved to 2-0 record at the tournament. Anthony Borja paced Guam with 15 points. William Stinnett (186-G-86) and Edward Calvo provided 14 points apiece. Allen Wanefai scored 13 points and pulled down 6 boards for Solomon Islands. Alexander MCfaden added 9 points in a loss. Guam once again shot 50% from the field. They dominated under the rims outrebounding Solomon Islands 33:28.
The Solomon Islands men national team made a tour in Australia to prepare the upcoming South Pacific Games. Here is the tour recap by the team coach.
source: SIBF
"The tour consisted of a number of training sessions at a first class basketball facility and a total of 6 matches.
The Solomon Islands men national team made a tour in Australia to prepare the upcoming South Pacific Games. Here is the tour recap by the team coach. source: SIBF
"The tour consisted of a number of training sessions at a first class basketball facility and a total of 6 matches. The matches were located both in Coffs Harbour and also as far as 2 hours drive when we visited Port Maquarie to play their State League Senior Mens Basketball Team. The overall result for the Mens Squad was 5 wins and 1 loss. This was an outstanding achievement when looking at the size and strength of the teams we played. The majority of the matches were against much taller and much physically stronger men. This was a good test for the squad which has a large number of young players who are still growing and developing. There is no doubt in my mind that the training the team had done so far greatly assisted the results that were achieved. All players worked together to play as a team to overcome obstacles, which was impressive. The squad also showed a very strong attitude of never giving up as they continued to play and work hard no matter what the score was. This was especially a factor in the last game we played when we played the State League Champions, Grafton. Despite losing by as many as 11 points in the 3rd quarter, the team played hard and eventually came out winners at the end of the match. The tour was formatted with a game and training session on most days, which was similar to how the tournament at the South Pacific Games is structured. This proved for an ideal preparation, as it was a mentally and physically demanding program which tested all athletes. There were also some injuries throughout the tour which tested the team. In the first game Junior Gwali injured his ankle and missed the following 2 games. In the second game Allan Wane injured his ankle and was unable to play for the remainder of the tour. Although it was disappointing to suffer injuries, it was also a challenge for other members of the team to step up and take responsibility. Waige Turueke was outstanding throughout the tour. His shooting, rebounding, defence and fitness were all excellent. He was the team's top scorer for the tour and plays a valuable role. It is clear to me that his time in U.S.A. has been valuable and worthwhile. We were also fortunate enough to have Anthony Prince join the squad in Coffs Harbour. He paid his own fare to join the squad and participate in the tour. Anthony was a valuable addition to the squad. Standing 6 foot 3 inches tall with a wide body, he was an excellent addition, especially because height is one area that the squad is lacking. His worth was proven when Allan was injured and it was left to Leon Hatigeva, Moses Au, Timothy Goulolo and Anthony Prince to carry the load in the Centre and Forward positions."
Results: Solomon Islands 72 def Coffs Christian College 39 Solomon Islands 105 def Coffs Harbour State League 91 (Waige Turueke 24pts, Alexander McFadden 14pts, Allan Wane 12pts) Port Maquarie State League 86 def Solomon Islands 79 (Waige Turueke 38pts) Solomon Islands 51 def John Paul College 30 (short game) Solomon Islands 79 def Coffs Harbour State League 72 (Waige Turueke 20pts, Moses Au 10pts) Solomon Islands 64 def Grafton State League 56 (Waige Turueke 33pts)
Team: Moses Au Moses Kivo George Fafale Allan Wane Waige Turueke Scaden Tesua Jr. Hilton Gwali Mark Mataki Timothy Goulolo Davison Toliliu Augustine Basia Frank Kivo Anthony Prince
Solomon Islands train in Australia, name Preliminaray squad for SPG
The national men's and women's teams from the Solomon Islands are half way through their pre SPG training camp in Coffs Harbour. The teams have been undertaking daily training, and each evening they have played competitive games against a variety of Coffs Harbour teams.
The national men's and women's teams from the Solomon Islands are half way through their pre SPG training camp in Coffs Harbour. The teams have been undertaking daily training, and each evening they have played competitive games against a variety of Coffs Harbour teams. The Solomon Basketball Federation also submitted a 17-name preliminary squad for the upcoming South Pacific Games which will be held in Samoa. The squad features Waiges Turueke who has played a couple of season in the US collegiate system.
source: FIBA Oceania
The men's and women's teams travelled to the Christan Community High school to play their senior teams. Both teams were warmly welcomed by the school community, who packed the indoor school court to cheer on both their team and the visitors. Both Solomon teams were far too strong for the high school teams. Following this game the teams came to the FIBA Oceania office, where they were each given a basketball and some other FIBA Oceania memorabilia. On Saturday evening the Solomon teams faced off against the strong CoffsHarbour senior rep teams, with the Coffs girls being too strong for the island team. However, the men's game went to the Solomons, who put on an excellent display of speed, control and athleticism. On Sunday the teams travelled to Port Macquarie, a 2 hour bus ride south of Coffs Harbour. The women's team defeated the Port team, but the Port men proved too strong for the Solomon team. With daily training and games, the training regime has made the teams realise the stamina that is needed for a 10 day tournament, and returned home much more experienced players.
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation have submitted a Men and a Women team for the upcoming South Pacific Basketball tournament's in Samoa. The SPG comittee will announce the participating teams in the next weeks.
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation have submitted a Men and a Women team for the upcoming South Pacific Basketball tournament's in Samoa. The SPG comittee will announce the participating teams in the next weeks.
Candidate countries for the 2007 SP Games men tournament: American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Guam Northern Marianas New Caledonia Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tahiti Palau Marshall Islands
The Solomon Island Basketball Federation were successful in getting a large financial grant through their National Olympic Committee to assit them in preparations to the updoming SPG's. FIBA Oceania offered to assist with planning and organising a suitable training regime for the teams.
The Solomon Island Basketball Federation were successful in getting a large financial grant through their National Olympic Committee to assit them in preparations to the updoming SPG's. FIBA Oceania offered to assist with planning and organising a suitable training regime for the teams. Initially it was thought the teams should participate in the Arafura Games in Darwin, but this option was too expensive. source: FIBA Oceania
It was agreed that the teams would travel to the home of FIBA Oceania, Coffs Harbour, and undertake a week long training program, commening 15th June. Coordinating the camp, Judy Smith said the local basketball association and near-by associations would be able to provide high level competition to assist the development of the team. Plus the team will have access to training courts during the day. FIBA Oceania's Development Manager Regan Kama will be on hand to help with the coaching, and it is hoped that ZDO Eddie Calic might be in Coffs Harbour during the camp tim also. Local eating and accommodation venues have been most generous in offering very competitive prices to enable the Solomons Island teams to train in Coffs Harbour.
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation has finalized the extended National Squad from which the team to represent Solomon Islands at next years South Pacific Games will be selected. The head coaching position was also finalized with Ryan Burns appointed for the position of Men's National Coach.
28 athletes have been selected.
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation has finalized the extended National Squad from which the team to represent Solomon Islands at next years South Pacific Games will be selected. The head coaching position was also finalized with Ryan Burns appointed for the position of Men's National Coach.
28 athletes have been selected. The selection is highlighted by overseas players like Waige Tureke (USA) and Trevor Kaitu'u (South Pacific University). Twenty players are currently playing in the HBA Super 4 League like Brian Feni, Goldie Kiloko or Gwali Junior. National Squad training sessions are expected to start early January, allowing athletes enough time to prepare themselves for what will be highly intense and competitive trainings designed to achieve the best out of each individual. All squad members are urged to attend with a high level of fitness and an attitude of team play. "The selection process really was a huge effort from all involved over the last 2 months, and was made even more difficult by the number of talented basketball players in the country" said SIBF President Freda Matangi after the meeting. "We initially wanted to keep the squad to 20 athletes, however it was just not possible with the high standard of players that have developed over the past few years."
Earlier this month, the Honiara Basketball Association Super 4 teams played the semifinals. It really was an exhibition of the best Honiara has to offer. The finals will be played at the Multi Purpose Hall.
QQQ - CYO: 65-34
The first mens semi final of the day was between CYO and QQQ Marist.
Earlier this month, the Honiara Basketball Association Super 4 teams played the semifinals. It really was an exhibition of the best Honiara has to offer. The finals will be played at the Multi Purpose Hall.
QQQ - CYO: 65-34 The first mens semi final of the day was between CYO and QQQ Marist. Despite a close first quarter, QQQ Marist broke away in the 2nd quarter thanks to some excellent team defence and amazing 3pt shooting from Eddie. CYO picked up the tempo by changing to a man to man defence, however the damage had been done and QQQ Marist ran out winners. QQQ Marist supporter Gerad Kelly was estatic with the result "I can't believe it, that is the best game I have seen them play, and I can't wait to see them play in the final on Sunday" said Gerry after the final siren.
QQQ Marist: Allen 19pts, Goldie 18pts, Eddie 16pts. CYO: Juniour 8pts, Marka 6pts.
Telekom - Sossa: 76-41 The last match of the day was between LR Sossa men and Telekom men. In a similar tale to the first mens semi final, the match was close early but Telekom pulled away in the 2nd quarter thanks to some sharp shooting. Telekom then managed to keep this lead until the end of the match and cement themselves a place in the final this coming Sunday. High Scorers Telekom: Sammy 19pts, Bryce 17pts, Walton 12pts, Willie 11pts. LR Sossa: Leon 16pts, Tigs 9pts, Billy 7pts.
After months of preliminary matches, and build up of the Under 20 Basketball Competition in Honiara, the Andel club has become the new champions. With a team competing in Wednesday's Grand Finals of the Mens division, the stage was set for Andel's biggest day of the year.
The Men final featured Sunrise taking on Andel in a great atmosphere at the Multi Purpose Hall full of cheering and music.
After months of preliminary matches, and build up of the Under 20 Basketball Competition in Honiara, the Andel club has become the new champions. With a team competing in Wednesday's Grand Finals of the Mens division, the stage was set for Andel's biggest day of the year.
The Men final featured Sunrise taking on Andel in a great atmosphere at the Multi Purpose Hall full of cheering and music. Sunrise lead the match early thanks to some sharp shooting from Mark Mataki, but were soon overtaken by Andel due to a strong inside presence from the twin towers, Leon and Moses. Throwing everything at Andel in the second half, Sunrise could not seem to get back within 5 points, and the last quarter score blew out from what was a very close and competitive game. Andel Coach Ever Pongi could not have been happier with the result. "It's a great achievement for some very special young basketball players, they have all worked extremely hard to this point and played as a team to win the game against high quality opposition such as Sunrise" said Ever after Men's final.
Andel - Sunrise: 63-45 Andel: Leon 27pts, Moses 11pts, Billy 9pts. Sunrise: Marka 25pts, Phillip 6 pts, Junior 6pts.
The Solomon Island Basketball Federation has now opened applications for the positions of Head Coach for the Solomon Islands National Men's and Women's Basketball Squad. SIBF will be sending both a men's and women's team to the South Pacific Games in Samoa next year, and the SIBF has already put plans in place for the development of the squad.
The Solomon Island Basketball Federation has now opened applications for the positions of Head Coach for the Solomon Islands National Men's and Women's Basketball Squad. SIBF will be sending both a men's and women's team to the South Pacific Games in Samoa next year, and the SIBF has already put plans in place for the development of the squad.
"This is another step in the process to develop the best possible men's and women's basketball teams to represent Solomon Islands next year" said NBDO Golden Kiloko. Anyone interested in applying for either the position of Head Coach of the Women's National Squad, or the position of Head Coach of the Men's National Squad is urged to make their application in writing detailing their relevant experience and qualifications and either hand it, or send it to Golden Kiloko, C/-NOCSI, PO BOX 532, Honiara GPO, Solomon Islands.
