Mavericks Basketball Club claim MoMaSe Regional Championship

Madang’s Mavericks Basketball Club clinched the MoMaSe Regional Open Seniors Basketball Championship after defeating the Aiyura Basketball Club with a 43-42 scoreline on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at Aiyura’s Ukarumpa Sil Campus in Obura-Wonenara District, Eastern Highlands Province.

Going up against the host (Aiyura) in the grand final was an upheaval battle for the visitors, but the Madang-based club weathered the storm to pull off a one-point thriller on the stroke of full-time, thanks to Dinnesh Gua’s clutch-winning shot.  

Mavericks went on a mission and accomplished their task, winning not only the 5x5 championship but also the 3x3 tournament and finishing the three-day event on a high note. The 5x5 team, in particular, remained undefeated throughout the tournament.

Head coach Charles Suguman explained that they had a short turnaround to prepare for the championship, but expressed satisfaction, saying that the players defied the odds to steal the spotlight in both the 5x5 and 3x3 divisions. 

“It was a well-deserved win in this championship. Although we were given short notice to participate, the Mavericks were physically, mentally, and spiritually fit and ready. It was a great exposure, especially for our young players, who stepped up,” he said. 

Coach Suguman mentioned that the tournament was tough, noting the players had a good experience, while winning the championship was a bonus not only for the Mavericks but also for the Madang Town Basketball Association.

“It was a new and different environment with new experiences. The tournament was very tough and competitive. Other clubs were fast and hard, but we Mavericks studied every game, capitalized on our opportunities, and remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Our one goal and aim was to play our best to win every game,” he said.  

As the reigning champions of the Madang Town Basketball Association (MTBA), the Mavericks are performing exceptionally well in the men’s division and hoping to defend their title this year.    

“In the Madang Town Basketball Association, our senior men's team still maintains a top 2 placing. Our junior men's and women's teams are mostly raw talents who are still learning and experiencing the game. This year, we have no senior women's team due to a lack of players. Our senior men's team is looking forward to defending its title," he stated.

Coach Suguman outlined the club’s future aspirations: “The future plan for the club is to develop the younger generation, especially school students and other kids in the surrounding communities. Moving forward into next year, we will try our best to give our young players exposure in other competitions in other centres.”

Established in 2000, the Mavericks Basketball Club comprises only high school boys. The club started in C Grade, moved up to B Grade, and eventually to A Grade. Over the years, the men's B team has won 4 titles, while the men's A team are the defending champions from last year in the Madang Town Basketball Association (MTBA). Most of the club’s players have represented Team Madang in both the Provincial and National Championships.

The MoMaSe Regional Open Seniors Basketball Championship was hosted from 17-19 September 2026. The participating teams included Lae Basketball Association, Madang Town Basketball Association, Aiyura Basketball Association, Wau Basketball Association, and Mare Basketball Association.