The American Samoa Basketball Association prepares for the 2013 Moso'oi tournament on September 14 and revitalizing the women's program by holding a women's tournament as well.

It's been three years since the last time we saw women seniors & juniors compete in American Samoa in competition. ASBA President, Milton Taufa'asau, approached the board with the strong desire to bring back women’s competition in American Samoa. The last time saw the 2010 girls national team compete in the 2010 Moso’oi league to better prepare them for the U19 pacific youth championships in New Caledonia. “It is the intention of myself and the board to create more competitions for our female athletes and encourage them to come out and compete. This will also be a scouting opportunity to invite certain female athletes to try out for upcoming international tournaments”, said the President. ASBA board met on September 3, 2013 to discuss the preparation for the tournament. It was always difficult to attract a vast amount of female athletes to come out and form teams to compete. Board member, Valusia Talataina, suggested with this new board to waive the registration fee for all female teams to compete. It was agreed upon and passed.

Upon disseminating the information of the registration waiver for the female teams on Facebook, a huge amount of young women athletes have begun to search for other female athletes to form teams and compete. As of September 6, 2013, a total amount of 6 female teams have verbally confirmed their participation. (Updates will be provided)

The men division will feature the 2013 Flag Day champions, Mesepa Sonics, to come into the tournament with an eye for the Moso’oi championship. However, another power house, Ninjas, are still considered heavy favorites in this year’s tournaments. Other teams who have also been in the strong running are teams of Leone, Breakers & ASCC. New village teams are being formed, but haven’t confirmed as of press time their intention to join. (Updates will be provided.)

Registration is $270 and open to the first 14 men teams. The females are open to the first 14 as well. The tournament will begin on September 14 and conclude on Moso'oi week which is the final week of October. President Taufa’asau is looking for this to be a smooth running tournament and is very excited to finally have the ladies return to the courts after a long hiatus. “We hope this will be a continuous effort by the ladies to be consistent on their development and prepare for the 2015 Pacific Games” commented by Taufa’asau.

More information can be found by visiting our facebook page: www.facebook.com/asba.tutuila