An anti-substance abuse program involving teenage basketball stars with the health education organization Marshall Islands Epidemiological Initiatives, Inc. (MI-EPI) took off at the beginning of 2012. 

See additional photos in Photo Galleries at top of home page.

Before hundreds of fans, Assumption High School won the Majuro High School basketball league on Friday, March 23, 2012. AHS won by defeating regular season winner Marshall Islands High School 37-27.

Sailass Kotton, one of the top basketball referees in the Marshall Islands, officiated at the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia from August 27 to September 10, 2011, including refereeing the men's championship contest between Guam and New Caledonia.

Photo: Giff Johnson.

The Marshall Islands Basketball Federation is partnering with the Missouri-based Soul to Sole ministry for sports shoe donations in the Marshall Islands. Since 2009, Soul to Sole has organized the donation of hundreds of sports shoes and socks, shipping them to MIBF, which in turn has made donations to local schools and non-government organizations to encourage girls and women to play basketball and exercise.

Photo: Suzanne Chutaro.

The basketball court at Batien Weto (land parcel) by the National Telecommunications Authority office on Ebeye Island is back in action after a volunteer team fabricated, welded and installed two new backboards and rings. 

Click "Photo Gallery" above to see photos of the newly improved court. Photos: Anjojo Kabua.

Ebeye Island is one of the Pacific's most densely populated islands. Despite the crowded conditions for the more than 10,000 people living on 80 acres, basketball courts abound on the island. At left is Ebeye's one full court with lights.

Click "photo gallery" above to see photos of courts around Ebeye Island, a Mecca for basketball. Photos by Ryan Burns, FIBA Oceania.

For Head Coach Paul Kattil and assistant coaches Robert Pinho and Alber Alik, the gold medal finish for their 15-and-under Marshall Islands basketball team at the Pohnpei tournament was especially sweet, coming 17 years after their first appearance as national team players on the RMI national team that competed in the Micronesian Games in Guam.

Pictured at left are coaches (l-r) Robert Pinho, Paul Kattil and Alber Alik with members of the big welcome home party that turned out at Majuro airport to greet the team on its return from Pohnpei on July 15, 2011.

Hundreds of friends, family and fans showed up at Amata Kabua International Airport Friday July 15, 2011 to welcome home the RMI 15-and-Under basketball team that won the gold medal at the first 15-and-Under Micronesia Basketball Tournament East Division on July 14, 2011. At left, RMI players emerge from the airport VIP Lounge holding the championship trophy Friday night July 15 in Majuro as the crowd sings a welcome home song.

Click "Photo Gallery" to see more photos of the return of the gold medal team July 15, 2011.

Three RMI standout players were recognized at the 15-and-Under Micronesia Basketball Tournament in Pohnpei, July 8-14, 2011. Kyle 'Bollet' Paul was chosen as MVP for his stellar play in the low post that helped the RMI to the championship. In addition, players June 'Tokki' Matayoshi and Emilyo 'Tam-Tam' Maddison were named to the tournament all-start team. At left, tournament MVP Kyle Paul shows off his MVP trophy on his return to Majuro Friday July 15, 2011.

The Marshall Islands national 15-and-under basketball team made history today in Pohnpei, FSM, becoming the first RMI basketball team to win gold in regional competition. 

At left, the RMI 15-and-under team prior to departure from Majuro with Head Coach Paul Kattil (right) and assistant coaches Alber Alik and Robert Pinho (left).

Click "more" for details.

Marshall Islands 15-Under Team Competes at 15-and-Under Micronesia Basketball Tournament (East)

First 15-and-Under Micronesia Basketball Tournament (East Division), Pohnpei, FSM July 8-14, 2011 — scores for RMI games. Click "more" for details.

RMI national 15-and-under team's win Tuesday sends it to Gold Medal Game Thursday 7/14/2011. Click "more" for details.

Many donors have joined with the Marshall Islands Basketball Federation to make it possible for the Marshall Islands to send a youth team to the first 15-and-Under Micronesia Basketball Tournament in Pohnpei, FSM from July 8-14, 2011. Click "more" to see the list of donors. Photo at left shows the players practicing at the national gymnasium in Majuro during June, 2011.

Mouj Lewi is the first National Basketball Development Officer in the Marshall Islands. A former RMI national team point guard and a coach in local leagues, Mouj was hired recently as a joint effort of the Marshall Islands Basketball Federation, FIBA Oceania (Australia), and the Marshall Islands National Olympic Committee.

Ryan Burns, FIBA Oceania's Basketball Development Officer, is on Ebeye for 10 days (April 11-21, 2011) to lead clinics.

Click "Photo Gallery" at top of this page to see photos of Ryan Burns' visit to Santo Island in Kwajalein Atoll.

11th Bank of Marshall Islands Ralik Ratak Shootout Basketball Tournament 2010 champion Team Mili is on Ebeye from February 5-10, 2011 to play competitions and to lead clinics for junior players at local middle and high schools.