The 2024 All-Stars National Basketball Championship was hosted in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, from December 5th to 8th, which saw the Kemele men's and women's teams claim the 5x5, as well as the men’s 3x3 divisions.
Kemele, a club from Mendi in the Southern Highlands Province, has imposed its presence in the three-day national championship and stole the limelight, walking away with the coveted titles in both men’s and women’s divisions.
The Kemele men’s side had a few PNG representatives in the likes of veteran Apia Muri and Collin Pine, including young Cornelius Muri, Morea Elavo, Eddie Moses, and emerging stars, Jesse Pine and Allan Millard.
The female team had the services of seasoned campaigners, Jonitha Warabe and Elina Yala, as well as promising stars like Cynthia Baia, Anna Moses, Emily Lialu, and Delta Lare, including other players not mentioned.
Both Kemele sides went with all guns blazing and took the three-day national championship by storm in 'Apo Land', bagging the senior men's and women's 5x5 divisions, including the men's 3x3.
Skipper Collin Pine commended the players (both divisions) on getting the job done while extending the two teams’ appreciation to the major sponsor of team Kemele, Firman Joseph, for his continued support. He also thanked the coaching staff, management, and fans for their unwavering support.
“I would like to congratulate the players (men & women) for claiming the 5x5 and 3x3 national championship. We’ve worked hard for this, so we deserved to win the tournament. I’m proud of every player,” Pine expressed.
“Most importantly, on behalf of the two teams, I would like to sincerely thank our sponsor, Firman Joseph, for having confidence and belief in us, including his consistent financial support. Without his support, we wouldn’t be able to take part in the national event, so we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
“And last but not least, I would like to give a shoutout to our hardworking coaching staff and team management, including the loyal fans. Their encouragement and support have pushed us to perform well and win the tournament, so thank you to everyone involved.”
With the All-Stars National Basketball Championship done and dusted, some of the Kemele players (men & women) are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that they will get selected for the Mini Pacific Games in Palau next year.
PC: Wepio Media Agency
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