NCD Amateur Basketball goes full steam

The National Capital District Second Tier Amateur Basketball competition has hit overdrive, with the inaugural competition preparing to complete Round 1 games and head over to Round 2.

Established by the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) this year, it acts as a critical development pathway to feed emerging grassroots talent into the country’s elite competition.      

The NCD Second Tier Amateur Basketball competition has 16 clubs across two pools, featuring 10 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams. The men's division will have 18 games, while the women’s division will play 10 games.

It is a double-rounded format, which means a team in both divisions will play each team twice in the regular season. The playoffs will comprise the top 6 in the men’s division and the top 4 in the women’s division.  

The competition tipped off in May. It held 3 pre-season games and officially kicked off the opening round on June 9th. It will run for three months, with the finals scheduled around September or October. 

Competition Director Sepu Samson explained that the league had been exciting and competitive, with the teams in both divisions showing skills and determination to secure their spots in the finals.

“The competition is progressing very well as it’s been planned. We have not faced any challenges. The competition has run smoothly, and we are looking forward to ending the inaugural season on a high note,” Samson said. 

He thanked the naming rights sponsor, China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), for its support this season, and also acknowledged the BFPNG President David Peter’s leadership, including the technical officials, and the federation’s staff.

“We would like to thank the major sponsor, the China Railway Construction Engineering Group, for its support of the NCD Second Tier Amateur competition this year,” the director said.

“BFPNG is looking forward to working with the China Railway Construction Engineering Group, our partners, and the clubs in establishing an elite competition in the country.”  

Samson expressed optimism that CRCEG will continue its support next season, revealing that BFPNG aims to roll out a similar concept in other provinces, including Lae, Madang, Goroka, Alotau, Mt Hagen, and other basketball-playing regions. 

With less than a month to go before the finals, every team in both divisions has shown hunger to fight for the ultimate honors, displaying fast-paced action, fierce competition, and plenty of unforgettable moments on the court.

The NCD Second Tier Amateur Basketball competition will continue its Round 1 of game 6 in the men’s division and Round 1 of game 3 in the women’s division this week at Port Moresby’s Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Center. 

The following are the standings in both men’s and women’s divisions after the conclusion of men’s Round 1, game 6, and women’s Round 1, game 3. 

Men’s progressive point ladder:

1. Southern Sailors - 10 points

2. Koki Dolphins - 8 points

3. Triwest Saints - 7 points

4. Bulls - 6 points

5. Moni Plus Tamaraws - 6 points

6. Equalizers - 4 points

7. Lakwaharu Spartans - 4 points

8. Northwest Wizards - 3 points

9. Kauka Bullets - 2 points

10. UPNG Chiefs - 2 points

Women’s progressive point ladder:

1. Southern Sailors - 6 points

2. Lakwaharu Spartans - 4 points

3. Triwest Saints - 4 points

4. UPNG Chiefs - 2 points

5. Northwest Wizards - 2 points

6. Equalizers - 0 points

PC: Monsta Photography