MANGILAO (Guam) – Australia have dominated the FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania Championship going through the tournament undefeated to win gold.

New Zealand pushed Australia throughout the first half with Bailey Flavell and Pahlyss Hoskianga-Heather leading from the front to keep their team in touch with the defending champions.

It was a different story in the final half with Australia putting their foot on the gas to defend their FIBA U15 Oceania 2018 title, 100-54.

It was another consistent performance from the entire team with Sophie and Zoe Jackson shooting at unreal percentages and Jade Crook alongside Jesse-May Hall, racking up impressive rebound statistics.

“It felt great, we started pretty shaky but by the end it is just an amazing feeling,” Hall said following their emphatic win. 

“I think our defence has got better and better throughout the week and as a team we have got closer and closer so out teamwork has been insane.”

Samoa defeated Guam 92-50 to win the bronze and secure a place at the FIBA U16 Asian Championships 2023.

Following their FIBA U16 Asian Championship – Division B victory earlier this year, Samoa are now Oceania bronze medallists and have confirmed that coveted spot at the Asian Championships next year.

Harmoney Seumanutafa, Sina Tofilau Oliva and Riley Ese all performed well in the bronze medal match for Samoa with L’Oreal Hiko and Nahala Toeleiu both finishing with double-double to cap off their tournaments.

“It a pretty good game, we had a good star with good defensive pressure is how we got our first few points on the board,” Toeleiu said.  “We have had a few setbacks during the week, today we had a lot of support and I feel like our defence and rebounds have improved the most, so they are the good one percenter’s that we needed to get bronze.”

During her post-game interview, Toeleiu emphasised how important is has been for her to represent Samoa and to provide a pathway for female basketballers on island.  

“Helping other girls who want to play for Samoa and represent their country and culture, it’s for all of us,” Toeleiu said.  “It means a lot to represent Samoa, I have lots of family and friends back home this was all for them and all for my country, I’m very proud to represent Samoa and play in this singlet, it means a lot, we are a small island and I’m just so proud of everyone.”

Maria-Jean Borja Paulion, Madeleine Ada and Gabreanna Hahn all played well for the host nation as they settled for fourth place at the championships.

Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa advance to the next stage of the FIBA U17 World Championship pathway, which will be the FIBA U16 Asian Championships 2023.

FIBA