US-based Valerie Nainima led her Raiwaqa Reds womens side to a 56-16 win over Suva Hawks. Nainima's Reds are among the eight women's team gunning for the gold medal playoff at the Lautoka Multi Purpose courts. While in the men's grade former national rep Frank Saketa led his Raiwaqa Reds to a 47-24 victory over Nadi All Stars in the opening rounds. Event coordinator Laisiasa Puamau said having national reps playing for the various districts helped lift the standard of competition. "Having US-based Nainima also lifts the profile of women's basketball and should also be an encouragement for more women to take up the sport." He said national men's captain Leonard Whippy led his Suva Blues side to another early victory over Fiji U20 Whites 77-50. "Competition is tense and it's good to see the teams turn out and battle it out for the three medals," he said. "At the moment, the round-robin competition in the pools is being played. "Once the pool winners are decided we will move on to the medal playoffs. The winners of each pool will go into the gold medal playoff."

Article from the Fiji Times Newspaper

Sunday 13th June, 2010