Basketball names strong U19 teams

BASKETBALL Fiji has named a strong national men's and women's under-19 squad for the FIBA Oceania Youth Championship, which will be held in November in Australia.

Coach Saula Koroi and the national selectors closely followed the performance of the players during the Tuckers Ice Cream Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship before naming the 30-member squad. Koroi said the initial squad was named two months ago and players were given training programs to follow.

He was happy with the progress made by the players but said there were rooms for improvement.

Koroi said the team would focus on combination and getting the basics right in the remaining days leading up to the championship.

"We have named 15 players each in the men's and women's side which will be later trimmed to 10 players," the former national rep said.

"It's encouraging to see the improvement in the performance of the players and we are hoping to continue building on it."

Koroi said the weekly club competitions would provide the players with the much needed game time.

Squad: U19 girls - Tiyanna Kainamoli, Vika Ramara, Donnis Kainamoli, Georgina Balenacagi, Grace Taito, Wilma Cawi, Breeanna Kamsoo, Maraia Naivaluvou, Miliakere Koyamainavure, Lela Koyamainavure, Josifi Fifita, Elizabeth Seru, Maria Dabea; Boys U19 - Walter Vanuya, Lorima Sautu, Sairusi Kalou, Tule Mawi, Filimoni Seru, Josh Uluviti, Iosefa Taliu, Isireli Vuetibau, Ulaiasi Koroi, Maika Nakora, Johnathan Kunau, Digitaki Kaci, George Patterson, Mataika Koyamainavure, Peter Gus, Joseia Qalotaki.