Sporting activities are a ‘buzz’ at this time in the territory and will continue to be so, at least for the next two weeks. The biggest sporting activity right now, of course, is the 2015 OFC Under-17 Championships — co-hosted by American Samoa and Samoa— that  continues until January 27. (Read separate story for updates and teams playing).

BASKETBALL

The American Samoa High School Athletic Association (ASHSAA) Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball league is in full swing at this time. The Samoana Sharks will be looking to defend their Varsity championship title this year, as the Faga’itua Vikings are the defending Junior Varsity champions. The American Samoa Basketball Association is busy at this time putting together a Men’s and Women’s National Team to represent American Samoa in the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, scheduled from July 4 to July 18.

HANDBALL

The American Samoa Handball Association (ASHA) is currently putting together their Men’s and Women’s Teams. Head of the ASHA, Carl Sagapolutele Floor stated that if anyone wishes to train and tryout for one of the teams — practices are Monday through Friday starting at 4:00 p.m. Handball has also been introduced into the American Samoa Department of Education Physical Education program beginning at the Elementary level.

SOFTBALL

The American Samoa Softball Association has been practicing with local softball players with the goal of competing in the 2015 Pacific Games by forming a national team. They practice at the Tony Solaita Field. If you wish to obtain more information on being part of the team, you can contact one of the following numbers: 733-1317, 733-7907, 731-7130 or 770-1562. You can also visit their Facebook page at: American Samoa Softball Association.

This year’s ASHSAA Girls Softball season is set to begin Saturday at the Tony Solaita Field. The defending champion Fa’asao Marist Cougars will be out to defend their title and will be looking to bring it back to Fa’asao Marist.