2014 Basketball Update

On behalf of ERSFNA, the basketball staff would like to welcome all basketball players and fans to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. This year's tournament will start on Wednesday July 2nd and end on Saturday July 5th.  All basketball teams are encouraged to register EARLY to save $50 USD on registration fee. The early registration deadline is March 31, 2014. For registration process and deadlines please refer to the basketball section of this website.  Prior to the start of the tournament, the basketball committee will conduct a mandatory meeting for all players and coaches on July 1st at 7:30 pm.   

The 28th Annual Eritrean Sports Festival held in the magnificent city of San Diego was a one to remember.  From a play standpoint every team competed fiercely and showcased their talents in front of hundreds of Eritreans.  Last year's tournament was the most competitive tournament we have seen in recent memories.  The local talent in San Diego has grown and flourished.  Individuals exhibited outstanding talent.  The 2013 champions, the Seattle Heat, showed grit and determination.  They fought gallantly from the first round all the way to the championship game.  In the varsity finals, Seattle Heat defeated their city rival, Seattle North, to earn the 2013 Boys Varsity Basketball championship trophy.

The Junior Varsity tournament was a fun time for parents and the audience alike watching the future for varsity players competing and representing their city.  San Diego and Los Angeles met in the championship game in a best of three series. The young participants competed hard and Los Angeles won the Jr. Varsity Championship in the deciding third game 51-38. 

The last two years ERSFNA has seen a decline in participation in the youth movement for basketball.  ERSFNA encourages Junior Varsity teams and girls to participate in the future tournaments.  Communities throughout the country are highly encouraged to support the youth basketball movement and ERSFNA is committed to support and accommodate participants. ERSFNA understands that most of the youth are involved in youth soccer and other activities.  Participation with the basketball committee we can work around schedules and do our best to fit both sports in the given week.  All comments, feedback and recommendations are always welcome.

ERSFNA understands that most participants are students and are busy with school work and finals during the registration process; however, it is important to have every team registered within the time frame of the established deadlines.  On time registration is essential for planning, scheduling, preparation and success rate of the tournament.  

Our goal is to get all the registration process and all related paperwork completed two weeks prior to the start of the tournament. 

Once this is accomplished successfully, game schedule can be posted ahead of the tournament start date; thus, giving teams the opportunity to plan and prepare for their opponents adequately.

If you have any basketball related questions please feel free to contact Yonathan Berhane, ERSFNA's Basketball Commissioner, at 651-621-4186 or berhanjo@yahoo.com. You may also contact Yonathan Woldai at 651-216-1126 or yonathanwoldai@yahoo.com.

Thank you and we look forward to see you all in Washington, D.C.!

 ERSFNA Basketball Committee