At the end of the Raiwaqa Basketball Tournament, Sparks (women) and Boston White (men) were crowned the new winners at Ed’s Court last Saturday.

This is the first time for tournament organisers to include a women’s grade.

In the women’s semifinals Sparks beat Fiji Whites 33-13 while Fiji Blacks lost to Chosen in the second semifinal 30-44.

It was a tough final for the women but Sparks triumphed in the end beating Chosen 42-29.

In the men’s semifinals, defending champions Saints beat Idaman 44-34 while Boston White beat warriors 31-24.

It was a runaway match for Boston White as they came on top beating the defending champions, Saints, 36-19 to be crowned new winners.

Raiwaqa Basketball co-ordinator Peniasi Kainamoli said the whole tournament was a success and they are planning to set up another one in the next three weeks.

“The tournament in general was good, the turnout was amazing and it was great to see the interest from the public,” Kainamoli said.

“This whole tournament was organised for our Fiji Under-19 team who will be participating in the FIBA Oceania Championships in December.

“We want to develop basketball at the community level so this tournament benefitted our under 19 national team and also local teams.

“We have seen the sport grow and now with Boston White being new champions, it goes to show the competition among players and teams growing which is a good sign.”

The Fiji U19 basketball team will be competing in the FIBA U19 Oceania Championships in December.

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