As students are busy with their studies for the end of the school year final exams, some of them are also included in the Samoan Under 19 teams who are preparing to compete in the FIBA Oceania World Championship Qualifying tournament which will be held in Fiji from December 1 to December 7 at the end of this year. The majority of these players are students who are also preparing to sit the School Certificate Exam this year which will be done on the 28th of November, right before they board the plane to travel to Fiji on the very next day, the 29th of November.

No doubt there were challenges that popped up from here and there, but preparations have come along way. All the players were selected from local schools and clubs within the country, except one female player who is currently off island for studies in New Zealand.

Samoa Basketball Federation appreciates the support from all sources who have contributed through various ways to assist the teams as they prepare for this tournament. The support from FIBA Oceania through the help of the Zone Development Manager, Annie La Fleur, who has traveled here twice to assist with not only the players, but the officials as well. George Leafa, the National team rep who is based in New Zealand, has been here for a whole week to help out with team training. To the local national players who are always around to help out with their young brothers and sisters for their preparations. Not forgetting the unlimited support of the parents, getting their kids to and from training and preparing them for this major competition. The school leaders who continue to give time for the availability of the gym for training and the many others who are supporting the Samoa team....thank you very much!

Good luck to team Samoa:

Girls team- Kahealani Tufuga, Laree Tea, Jade Pimeleko, Carolett Pimeleko, Oriana Tofilau, Rose Sio, Sailiai Pau, Adi Levy, Linda Kelsall and Janice Moke.

Boys team- Maea Fepuleai, Mahonri Tufuga, Ryan Paia, Aviata Sauni, Conrad Joseph, Terrell Arp, Robert Wayne Sio, Marquise Vaili, Paulo Paramore and Jaclaban Toomalatai