Solomon Islands Basketball Federation

Game 3 of the SIBF All Star series will be action packed with great entertainment with top notch basketball action. The basketball federation has successfully involved the UNDP and Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation in its final program.

"There will be live entertainment from very popular local bands in Honiara and we have also spoken to different dance crews in Honiara who are keen to provide entertainment" said a UNDP spokesperson who finalized the deal.

"The UNDP and the Ministry of Peace, Unity and Reconciliation are both supporting this initiative because it has a community focus and will use music and the game of basketball to promote peace and unity among our young populace". The organizers of the SIBF All Star Tournament will use different time intervals within the game to promote the peace message. "We are also featuring a Peace Gallery where you will learn about basketball as well as find out more information about how you can participate in the peace process in Solomon Islands. We are all obliged to work together to bring awareness to all sectors of our society especially among young people from communities in and around Honiara. Basketball is already doing that and we are happy to be part of that initiative."

The SIBF All Star Tournament promoted Pink Ribbon Day in its first game, then it promoted Health and Fitness in Game 2 and now "we are promoting Peace. We have a theme - One nation, one people, one great game!".
In Game 2 on Sunday, the results were interesting as the women's series was won by the Namsom Women's All Star when they won game 2 of the series.

"The Namson West All Stars have won the 3 games series after game 2 last Sunday when they won the second game in the women's division" a spokesmen reported. The Namson West All Star's used a strong fourth quarter to finish strongly and win comfortably by 9 points. After the East held the West to just 5 points in the 3rd quarter by effectively double teaming Jocelyn Basia. The Namson West All Stars responded with an unlikely star in the younger Basia sister Rebby and Phoebe Laore who re-established the lead and then freed up Jocelyn to move on the low post.

Nicola Pongi was on target from 3 point range but stifling defense in the fourth quarter forced her to distribute to low post presence, Rose Gwali and Jessie Konofilia who had trouble breaking the West All Star defense.

The Namson West women All Stars are aiming aiming to sweep the series. "In basketball when you sweep a series, it means you win all games in the series. Traditionally, the fans will bring the brooms, mop and anything to show their support for a sweep. We hope some fans do come out this Sunday with their brooms."

In the men's division, the Namson West All Stars avoided the same fate when they overwhelmed the East All Stars with a comprehensive win 62 - 46. Starring early in the quarter were 6 footers Moses Au and Allen Wane. Moses terrorised the East defense and earned quick trips to the line as he powered up against the smaller defenders to collect fouls.

East All Star guard Junior Gwali also appeared for the first time and it was a tough, speedy battle between him and older brother Sammy. "It was really amazing to watch those two fighting it out against each other. They are both highly skilled, very fit and competitive."

The East All Stars were missing Goldie Kari who is nursing a slight injury. Youngster Alex Masaea was also quiet while Gavin Bare made a brief appearance but was unable to contribute effectively as he is still nursing a shoulder injury.

"We are happy to have secured the win today to even the series. Next week we aim to win the series and ensure that the first SIBF All Star Tournament is an all West victory. We will join our girls team in winning this series"

SIBF is promising great entertainment with a special program for the grand finale. "The bands that will perform are popular, the program is great and we hope the entire Honiara population comes out to enjoy the day and carry home the message of peace back to their homes. Remember the theme - One nation, One people, one great game. That great game is basketball."