Young reps get nod

Two 16- year olds will be part of the national U19 women’s side to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Pacific Youth U19 Championship in Melbourne, Australia.
Kelera Koyamainavure, the younger sister of former national basketball player Miliakere Koyamainavure, and Teana Kainamoli will be representing the country internationally.
National U19 women’s coach Laisiasa Puamau said the duo along with other new players have been impressive so far and will be an added asset to the side in Australia.
Grace Taito, Maraia Naivaluvou and Leba Korovou are the only senior players in the side while the others will be making their debut in the upcoming competition.
US based Koyamainavure was also named in the squad but she could not make it.
“Mili’s absence opens the door to these young players to prove themselves in the national side,” Puamau said.
“This opens the door of opportunity for them as many of them will be representing the national side in the coming years.”
Meanwhile, the national men’s U19 basketball side is hoping to stamp a mark in this year’s Oceania Championship..
Coach Saula Koroi said that while they didn’t perform to their expectations in 2010 in New Caledonia, they are hoping to lift their performance in Melbourne.
The championship will be held in Melbourne, Australia on November 25-December 2.
The side had scrimmaging sessions with a few top clubs in the capital city for the past few weeks.
“We had been playing Boston, Saints and the Warriors in the past few weeks and this has been a lot of help to the boys,” Koroi said.
“These are the top clubs in Raiwaqa and Suva and playing against them lift the players’ knowledge and confidence.
Both teams depart for Australia on November 23.