Fiji Western Secondary School Boys U17 Competition

June 24^th and 25^th, 2011 were 2 days to be remembered as the inaugural Fiji Western Secondary Schools Boys U-17 Basketball Tournament were held at International School Nadi.

Lautoka Central College, Natabua High School, International School Nadi, Saint Thomas High School and Swami Vivekananda College participated in this event. The schools battled it out for the $300.00 cash prize .

The tournament was opened by the Special Administrator Nadi/ Sigatoka, Mr. Aisea Tuidraki who shared his sentiments about the inspirational Michael Jordan who continually was sidelined during his young basketball years. Eventually, when the right opportunity arose, Jordan proved to the world his worth and today he is an inspiration to all aspiring basketball players the world over. Mr. Tuidraki encouraged the players on and was happy about the development of local Western basketball.

Paying a surprise visit on the second day of tournament was FIji Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, who is the President of Fiji Amateur Basketball Association.

“I am very pleased with the development of basketball in the Western division especially with our youngsters. Keeping them active in sports such as basketball will keep them motivated to stay out of trouble and this in turn helps them to be involved in constructive activities”.  He was very pleased with the turn out of the basketball tournament and is anticipating such like matches in the near future.

The tournament was officiated by Fiji Amateur Basketball Association Development Officer, Laisiasa Puamau and other basketball officials from Lautoka Basketball Association including Mr. Simi Cagilaba. Edupia Co.(Fiji) Ltd sponsored the 2 day event for the development of Basketball in the Western division.

Lautoka Central College was indeed a force to be reckoned with as they battled it out for top spot with neighbor , Natabua High School. The final was a close match with Lautoka Central College scoring 32 and Natabua High School earning 31 points. Students who stood out at the event were Lautoka Central College students- Gus Nacagilevu, Ratu Tule Lemeki, Cherish Nasenaivalu, Malakai Waqa and Jona Senikabuta.Natabua High School also  were outstanding as students Ropate Maiwiriwiri, Jiu Han, Sireli Bulivorovoro and Frank.

Newcomers SVC and ISN proved to be just as exciting as their schools prepared them in such short time. Saint Thomas fielded a very young side but they were just as nimble as any other team. The team was coached by their team captain Junyong Kwon and they put on an impressive performance as one of their players, Callan Chand earned the Highest Intercept award for the event.

Awards for the 2 Day event included the following

• ISN 22 – St Thomas 20
• Natabua 30 – LAutoka Central 36
• International School Nadi 19 – Lautoka Central 44
• Sweami Vivekananda College 28 – St Thomas 33
• Natabua High School 42- Swami Vivekananda College 16
• St Thomas 49 v Lautoka Central 30
• Lautoka Central 32 (WINNER)- Natabua High School 31   FINALS

Other awards

1. Best Dribble- Jona- Lautoka Central
2. Best Dunk-Maika NAkora – International School NAdi
3. Best 3 pointer- Warren- Natabua HIgh School
4. Free throw player- Asaeli- St THomas
5. Courageous player- Luke SVC, Nadi
6. Fair Player- Joseva Vueti -St Thomoas
7. Best 6th Man- Dorian – Natabua high school
8. Highest Intercept- Callan Chand-International School Nadi
9. Best Assist- Alipate- Natabua HIgh School
10. Highest rebound-Sikeli-Natabua HIgh School
11. highest scorer- Gus- Lautoka Central
12. Most Valuable Player- Ropate- Natabua Hifgh School
13. Best Coach- Junyong-Internatioanl School Nadi
14. 2nd Runner-up- International School Nadi