Highlands players out to prove themselves at basketball meet

PLAYERS from the highlands region will be given a chance to be selected for the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, if they compete in the invitational basketball challenge in Lae next month.
National Souths Basketball League interim chairman Timothy Mako said yesterday that the players, selected during the tournament in Goroka, should participate because the Basketball Federation of PNG officials would be present to identify players for the games.
The tournament will be held from April 29-30.
Invitations have also been sent out to the Filipino Basketball Association, Port Moresby, Momase and the New Guinea islands to send their teams.
Games coordinator Lawrence Lahari said two teams from Lae, comprising players training for the Pacific Games, were preparing for the meet.
Early this year, a similar tournament was held in Port Moresby, attracting teams from Lae, Tubusereia, Exodus from the Capital Basketball League and the Papuan Blacks.
Mako said the highlands team consisted of Colin Pini, Jimmy Karanda Kelly, Danny Ken, Tukie Salilum, Willie Salilum (Mt Hagen), Daniel Pan, Samson Weki, Mano Weri (Mendi), Timothy Maki (Erave), Broson Kusan, Joe Ako, Umba Kengsley, Timothy Thomas and Eugene Asitore (Goroka).
The women’s squad: Mary Tee, Malinda Mark, Fidelma K (Mendi), Nellie Albert (Mendi), Robin Salilum, Macklyn Unagi, Rebecca Mati (Mt Hagen), Lillian Asitore, Petra Nimisa, Oscar Tango, Siso Pislain and Fiona Waitao (Goroka).
The team management will be announced soon.
More information contact Lahari on email [email protected] yahoo.com.