Highlander Lune makes national squad

 By JACK AMI

MOSES Lune is the only highlander to be selected in the national men’s squad for the 2015 Pacific Games.

Lune, 20, from the Southern Highlands, plays for Papua New Guinea Men’s Basketball League premiers Exodus and represented the PNG Under-20s at the Pacific Youth Basketball Championships in Melbourne last year.

From basketball records, the only other player from the highlands to be picked for the national side was Justin Luma in the 1980s – he was named as non-travelling reserve.

On the other hand, Western Highland’s Janet Kuno was one of the outstanding female athletes from that region to represent the country in the 1980s and 90s.

Lune’s inclusion with two other surprise packages rookie Gabriel Elavo, Greg Travertz and experienced Robert Kave from the Tamaraws.

Kave finally decided to make himself available after turning down previous selections due to work and study commitments. His experience will complement stars Apia Muri, Joe Elavo and Dia Muri.

Men’s squad: Purari Muri, Sibona Kala, Apia Muri, Mika Loko, Dia Muri, Wally Parapa, Richard Arava, Joe Elavo, Robert Kave, Gabriel Elavo, (reserves) Moses Lune, Greg Travertz.

Women’s squad: Opa Eko, Rosa Kairi, Lyn Unagi, Anna Milak, Nape Waka, Nester Sape, Nellie Jamsop, Betty Angula, Marca Muri, Louisa Wallace, Emily Koivi, Julie-Anne Diro.

Notable players omitted due to injuries and study commitments but are still in the 2015 Pacific Games train-on squad are Diane Hani, Emma Daroa and Peter Davani.