Solomon Islands Basketball Federation

The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation has confirmed the program for this weekend's All Star Tournament. The final preparations have been put in place and both the East and West Honiara All Stars are ready to play in this inaugural tournament. The programme will start at 9AM with officials and organizers setting up the Honiara Multipurpose Hall. The gates will officially open at 10AM and the first game will commence at 11:15 AM on Sunday.

"We are grateful to the Solomon Islands Filipino community who have accepted our invitation to play against the boy's team from the U19 training camp." Girls from the U19 training camp will also be playing against a women's invitational side comprising of some high school students as well as players from the HBL league.

"Our program will also feature a lot of half time entertainment with cash prizes to be won." The main feature of the tournament will be the All Star games. Big names such as Moses Au, Cecil Loti, Allen Wane will feature for the West Honiara All Stars. In the East, Rookie of the Year 2008 Alex Masaea will feature for both the U19 and East Honiara All Stars. He is in good company as veteren John Mane, youngsters McFadden Mataki and Gavin Bare will form a potent partnership. 3 point specialists Chris Ora and Phillip Tuhaika will pit themselves against each other playing for East and West respectively.

The women's All Star competition will be just as competitive. Leading the West Honiara All Stars will be the Sunrise trio Jocelyn Basia, sister Rebby and Elsie Daiwo. They will face a stiff challenge against Our Telekom Easter Challenge MVP Nicola Pongi with Lysa Wini and Rose Maea. The West Honiara All Star's back-court is strengthened by defensive specialists Belinda Teika, Christina Wini and Phoebe Laore. This should help counter the offense-oriented squad from the East.

Organizers have also confirmed that stalls will be set up by clubs affiliated to HBL to provide snacks and drinks for sale. "While the Federation is offering stall space, it is important to understand it is also our desire to see clubs become financially self reliant. So as much as possible, we are encouraging all affiliated clubs to make use of this opportunity."

The Federation is also keen to clarify the dates of the tournament again. Game 1 of the All Star tournament is scheduled for the 1st of November. Game 2 will be played on the 8th and the grand finale on 15th November 2009. "We have an interesting lineup of games and competition, please come and support basketball."