Tonga’s young basketball players are making waves at the FIBA Under-15 Oceania Championships in Canberra, clinching impressive victories against regional rivals.
The Tongan girls’ team has showcased strong performances, beating New Caledonia 80-43, overcoming Fiji 76-52, and delivering a decisive 133-52 win against the Cook Islands.
With one game left in pool play, the team is on course for a quarterfinals spot and a shot at a top-four finish, which would secure them a place in next year’s Asia Cup.

Coach Joseph Vega highlighted the significance of these victories, reflecting on the growth of basketball in Tonga. “Being the first ever for the boys and girls U15 basketball team, it is about time,” he said in an interview with PMN, adding that players from around the world are eager to reconnect with Tonga.
Vega expressed excitement for their final pool game against Guam, saying, “If we pull off a victory… we move on to next year, the Asia Cup in Singapore.”
With Tongan fans cheering passionately, Vega said, “You know what? Only our people can pull this off… they’re gonna do whatever it takes to represent their kids.”
The competition ends November 16.