City basketball looks to develop juniors for rep teams

TIME restrictions did not affect the junior clashes of the National Capital District Basketball Association Under-12 competition as Southern Flames edged Elegant Spiders 8-6 at the Hohola court on Saturday.
Spiders led 4-2 at the break.
Ten-year-old Xavier Peter Malaifeope, who did not score any baskets, stood out with his skills particularly on the dribble off both hands.
But the Gulf youngster was not the only one performing to a good standard and despite only being given only 12 minutes (four minutes a quarter) the juniors across the U12 matches got a chance to show their dribbling, passing and shooting skills.
With the focus on strengthening their junior grades, the NCDBA is looking to increase playing time for junior grades.
There was a lot of determination from the youngsters, some as young as eight years, playing against 12-year-olds.
This is the beginning of basketball development and progression at the junior level (U12 and U15).
With the Basketball Federation of PNG expected to bid for Oceania junior championships this year and next the need for development of juniors is definitely needed.
The NCDBA competition picking up its momentum with president Kevin Teme expected to take steps to improve the quality of the city competition across all grades and incorporating junior development.
Teme said he has yet to confirm the date of a club meeting to resolve the matter.