Solomon Islands Basketball Federation

The SIBF All Star Tournament is underway and in the women's division the Namson West Honiara All Stars drew first blood as they staged a late surge and won the game 35-33. The Namson West Honiara All Stars now lead the series 1 - 0 with high expectations for Game 2 on Sunday 8th. Speaking on behalf of the Namson West Honiara squad a player said, "we are not looking for anything less than a win. We want to win the series 3-0, we have done today's job and next week we hope to go 2-0. If we sweep these series 3-0 then we would have achieved our ultimate goal. The girls win today has given them confidence and a new found spark of enthusiasm to continue playing hard."

For the second and third quarters, the game was tied then East Honiara pushed ahead as Lysa Wini and Nicola Pongi finally found rhythm on the fast break but Esther kept the game close by sinking a 3 pointer then denying the East All Stars on the next possession to give the West All Stars the lead. Lysa then sank two consecutive 3 pointers but that was the final act of scoring for the East All Stars as the West equalised then scored on the final possession to win by a single basket.

A jubilant Namson West All Stars' coach Don Boykin simply said, "that was a great game."

Jocelyn Basia as captain of the Namson West All Stars led by example dominating on the low post and winning the battle against Rose Gwali. Sister Rebby was also exceptional as she meshed well with Elsie Daiwo to keep the East All Star defenders moving and on alert. Strong defensive play by Phoebe Laore also curtailed any East All Star challenge.

Our Telekom Easter Challenge MVP Nicola Pongi failed to find her shot but vice-captain Lysa Wini controlled the game picking her shots well and setting up teammates on many occasions.

"I think there is still a lack of cohesion but these are players who have played and starred in their own teams. It will take time to gel so I am really looking forward to next week because I believe the teams, especially East All Stars will come out very hard next week looking for a win," said a fan.

The Namson West All Stars were proudly sponsored by Namson Tran a local businessmen and supporter of sports in Honiara. Complimentary sponsorship was also received from the sitting West Honiara MP, Hon. Issac Inoke Tosika.

The East All Stars were sponsored by the East Honiara MP, Hon. Silas Milikada.

The tournament was made possible with sponsorship from the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation, Pacific Architects Limited, Paoa FM radio station and Namson Tran.