Moce to lead B'ball assault in Guam August 27, 2008
After her exposure at the Olympic Qualifier in Madrid Spain, Ofa Moce is ready to lead the Fiji Women’s Basketball team to the 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament in Guam next month.
Moce whose experience is a big bonus for the 10-member squad will team up with national rep Brittany Hazelman for the tour.
Basketball Fiji development officer Fanny Simpson said that the Sprite Light League has played a crucial in the selection of the Youth squad.
And with core of the squad expected to first their first international debut, Simpson said that the tour will give the young prospects a taste of competition at international level.
“We’re looking forward to sending our Youth squad to the Oceania championship and to have experience players like Ofa and Brittany is a big bonus for us,” Simpson said.
“Both players have played at the Olympic qualifier and they have toured with the national side in regional tournaments, their experience is something we need in the team. The Sprite Light League has also played an instrumental role in the selection of players and now the focus is developing the talents for international exposure.”
With less a month remaining for the tour, Simpson said that the girls will be facing a lot of competition from big teams like New Caledonia and Australia.
“The girls are working on some basic drills as they have gone through their court work and fitness and I believe that the challenge now is to build more confidence to take down the big teams.”
Fiji will feature in Pool A against the Powerhouse Australia, Tahiti and the Northern Mariana Islands while Pool B will see New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and host Guam.
The 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament will be held from September 28 to October 4.
Reserves: Carroll Chan, Mareta Tailasa, Kate Titoko, Makereta Tunidau. Team schedule: Sept 28: vs Northern Marianas, Sept 29 vs Australia, Sept 30 vs Tahiti, Oct 2 vs quarter-finals, Oct 3 semi-finals, Oct 4 final.