Javapro, 16, aims to star in Apia

By JACK AMI
SIXTEEN-year-old Magdalene Javapro is eager to make her mark as one of the youngest female basketballers to represent Papua New Guinea at the Pacific Games.
Javapro will represent the country in five-on-five basketball in Apia, Samoa, in July and then join the PNG squad for the Oceania Fiba U17 Championships in New Caledonia in August.
Javapro, who resides in Perth, Western Australia, was selected in the final squad alongside her older sister Peninnah, 22.
She plays in the Western Australia Basketball League.
Javapro, who hails from East New Britain, East Sepik and Morobe, is doing Grade 11 at Caps Coolgardie.
“I’m very proud to play for my country at this age,” Javapro said.
“I hope to team up with my big sister, who is awaiting clearance on her dual citizenship.
“It will be great to play alongside Peninnah, as we can combine effectively.”
Basketball Federation of PNG president Nick Daroa said his board was proud to have secured a youthful but top-line player like Javapro in the final squad.
Javapro plays point guard.
Daroa said Javapro’s inclusion in the women’s squad was a bonus for PNG heading into the Pacific Games.
“Magdalene is very skilful,” Daroa said.
“She has high knowledge and understanding of the game
“It’s a credit to us for having a player like her in the side.”
Javapro said: “This is really a breakthrough moment for me, as this will be my first time to play for my country of birth at the Pacific Games.
“I’m excited and looking forward to helping the team.”
PNG women’s head coach Moi Muri said Javapro was the kind of player “we need in the side with her presence at point guard to lead our attack”.
Muri said Javapro had the ability to call the shots for the team and “with support given to her, we should see good results”.
Javapro said she started playing state basketball in Australia when she was 11 years old.
She was the most valuable player in her local competition and was also an All-Star for four years in a row.
“All my achievements in my career are credited to my dad Robert, mum Janet and coach Kurtis Leslie,” Javapro said.