Yat Sen Secondary School rose to the top of Fiji’s high school basketball scene by securing the under-19 men’s title at the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, prevailing 28-19 against the International School of Suva in a tightly contested final held last night. The victory capped three months of focused preparation, with the team treating the title as achievable from the outset and driving every drill toward that goal.
Head coach Tu’i Sikivou praised his players for their composure and grit in the final, credits their steady performance against a determined ISS outfit, and highlighted the vital backing from the players’ parents and the school as essential to the team’s success. “This win wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the support of our parents and the school, who have been playing a major role behind the scenes in getting the team ready for this tournament,” Sikivou said. He also paid tribute to ISS, acknowledging their championship-final-worthy display and underscoring the high level of competition across the tournament.
This victory adds another chapter to Yat Sen’s sporting legacy, underscoring months of hard work, discipline, and strong team unity that have become a hallmark of the program.
Context from the broader championship shows the depth of Fiji’s secondary-school basketball this year. International School Suva captured the under-15 title in Lautoka, delivering a commanding performance to beat Tilak High School 25-13. The tournament also featured high-drama in the girls’ divisions, with Suva Grammar School defending their under-15 title and Suva Grammar School’s under-17 girls also retaining their crown with a dominant 26-1 win over Gospel High School. In the under-17 boys final, Yat Sen narrowly defeated Grammar 21-20, illustrating the tight competition across age groups. The event was marked by challenging conditions, including hot weather and rain disruptions, yet delivered a range of memorable moments for Fiji’s school basketball scene.
Commentary and outlook: The championship highlighted the growth of youth basketball in Fiji, with strong team play, disciplined defense, and rising coaching leadership across schools. The sustained support from parents, schools, and sponsors continues to be a key driver of this development, offering a hopeful sign for the sport’s future at the secondary-school level. This year’s results suggest continued opportunities for young players to showcase talent, build character, and contribute to their schools’ sporting legacies.
Summary: The Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Basketball Championship delivered a year of competitive play, culminating in Yat Sen’s claimed under-19 men’s title and a broader field of strong performances across age groups, signaling a bright future for Fiji’s youth basketball.
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