Saints and Golden Bati earmarked as favorites

Suva based Saints team and Golden Bati have been earmarked as favorites in the inaugural 3-day National Basketball Club Championship scheduled to begin today at Ed’s Court in Raiwaqa. The former, led by national men’s captain Leonard Whippy looks good on paper in the men’s division whilst the latter looks the inform team in the women’s division with the services of national rep Britney Hazelman as captain. Whippy who has just returned from a stint in a university in Hawaii will be supported well by younger brother Gerade Whippy recently returned from New Zealand. “Suva based Saints teams looks good on paper in the men’s division, “said Basketball Fiji development officer Laisiasa Pumau. “They are likely to win provided they play their cards right because the men’s division is quite competitive in view of the caliber of teams confirmed to take part.” The Saints are likely to face stiff competition from Easter championship defending champions Shaq Attaq who have also registered. They would have the services of national reps in David Whippy and Adrian Bossley. Raiwaqa champs Bryceland is another team to look out for with the core of their season reps returning this season. The Vikings from Lautoka is another not to be ruled out with the exceptional leadership skills of national reps Jale Vunisa and Simi Cagilaba. Defending national Under 22 and Sky Technology Raiwaqa knockout champions, Golden Bati is the inform team in the women’s division. “They should be facing stiff competition from traditional rivals Chosen which is laced with national U20 reps in the likes of Grace Taito, Vikia Fifita and Leah Seru. Then we have Wed C which is laced with national reps as well in the likes of Seini Dobui, Margereta Nani, Agnes Sokosoko, Loma Maitaka and Mere Naisoro.” “We are looking at tough competition in the both divisions with most of the teams brining in players who have experience in top level competition and have a sound knowledge of the game.” The tournament has been organised in partnership with the Raiwaqa Basketball Players Association and it has been organised to officially open the 2010 basketball season. Competition will begin proper at 6pm today.

The Fiji Sun Newspaper

Thursday 21st January, 2010

Last Modified on 21/01/2010 12:10

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