The perfect blend

THE team includes a talented high school student who can't wait to turn 16, an 18-year-old seventh former who says she was born into the sport, and six 20-year-old tertiary students who share the same hoop dream as the veterans in the squad.

Full of promise, the journey to New Caledonia today is all about sinking a second shot at gold at the Pacific Games. Fiji is the defending champions.

For sure, there is no lack of talent in the Fiji Women's Basketball team.

Already, three players have secured scholarships overseas. Standing at 6ft 1, baby of the a team Leba Korovou had a reach good enough for three offers. She tossed two and opted for nearby New Zealand, signing up for a stint with a high school in Auckland next year.

Also soaring in her achievements is 5feet 11 Brittany Hazelman. The small-forward, who says the game gave her sportsmanship, and discipline, will leave for Hawaii straight after the games. She notched a partial scholarship with BYU.

Her childhood friend whose family was influential in her choice of the sport will also leave our shores shortly. Letava Whippy has secured a basketball scholarship with Long Island University, New York.

The daughter of coach Michael and former women's rep Caroline Williams also records brother David and sister Mikaela as former reps.

According to manager Baravi Thaman, while young in age, the girls have a lot of talent - honed over a one year training program with veterans like Seini Dobui, Mareta Mani and Dale Wise.

"We won't have the services of overseas players but this is a very promising group who have been taught the basics well. A majority of them came through the Sparks team which won the Easter Championship. They will fill in the shoes of the missing experienced players very well," said Thaman.

Sparks was in fact dominated by players from Raiwaqa where almost every child plays the sport. As Sawani student Miliakere Koyamainavure said, "What we lack in height, we make up in skills."

Like Ada Dansey, Amalaini Raluvenitoga, Dale and Mareta, Eds Court was the centre of recreation throughout their childhood.

"I live right opposite the court," Amalaini blurted when asked where she learnt to play.

"I am originally from Nasogadravu, Tailevu, but it was with the Kamsoo's in Raiwaqa that I spent most of my school holidays."

A similar story was echoed by Leba.

"Most of my relatives live in Raiwaqa and they all play basketball," she said. Leba transferred from Natabua High School to Suva Grammar School after she was selected for trials last year.

Mili said her mother's family, the Waqairawais, practically lived and breathed basketball.

"I remember going everywhere with my namesake who was a national rep, that's in addition to my uncle Tu Nai. I am a member of Sparks. Last year I participated in the Under-20 FIBA Oceania Youth games in Noumea. My brother Mataika who is 17 and schooling in Marist was also at the games. My sister Lyn is also a former rep. "

The other members of Sparks were Leba, Amalaini, Ada and Eileen Puamau.

Tenacious and resilient, the young group believes that the ultimate prize of gold will be achieved because their chances have been enhanced by bonding and camaraderie between teammates.

In and out of the playing field, they have faced various challenges that have further strengthened the team. Juggling training and school work, they chose to make basketball their life and are determined to reap the rewards for it.

"I needed new shoes, I asked Mikaela when she last visited from the US and she brought me one. Words fail me if I have to describe the kind of support we get from our older experienced teammates," 20-year-old Ada offered.

"I started playing while in Marcellin and my cousin Dale was doing well in the sport. I wanted to be like her, and she has been very good to me and other junior players." Dale is also sister to Brittany.

Leba said the transfer from Natabua High School to Suva Grammar - just so she could be part of trials - was difficult but she had a lot of support from the team and family. Her dream is to become a professional player.

University of the South Pacific student Brittany, who has been playing since she was 13, says the team spirit and training has taught her a lot of lessons in life.

"A lot had to be sacrificed but time management and team bonding is so important and that's how I coped with the demands of school work and training," she said.

Vika Fifita's love for the sport began at Latter Day Saints where "basketball is a common sport." A graphic arts student at Fiji National University, she credits her success to the senior players.

"They push us a lot, the bond is great we get along with each other," she said, adding that she along with Ada, and Leba and Mili were part of part of the Under 20 team that played in Noumea last year.

Amalaini, also an FNU student, was adamant the team would return with gold. She said the team has been training hard and those still at school had found a balance between training and studying.

Adding to this Letava said, "We killed ourselves in training for that gold in Samoa. The winning team are not all here and we might have a young team, but we are prepared. In fact, we are good!"

Obviously, the team is motivated and encouraged by the fact that they have undergone proper training, mentoring and coaching.

With the constant presence of support and love from family, gold is but a matter of games away.