The Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) has crowned LPRC Oilers champions of the 2025 National League season. The coronation took place during a colorful closing ceremony held at the SKD Gymnasium on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The Oilers were crowned alongside Commissioners, who emerged champions of the Women’s Division. Bushrod Dreams clinched the Male Second Division title, while Spark Giants secured the Third Division championship.
The ceremony attracted high-profile personalities, including veteran players, technical staff, administrators, and scores of supporters and stakeholders.
The highlight of the evening was Fedolph Marshall being named the First Division Most Valuable Player (MVP). Several individual awards were also presented.
In the First Division, Mohammed Keita of Mighty Barrolle won Highest Assist and Highest Scorer; Jeror Tarwo of NPA Pythons earned Highest Block; Marshall of LPRC Oilers secured Highest Rebounder and Highest Steal; and John Davids of Mighty Barrolle was recognized as Highest Pointer. Varfley Corney of LPRC Oilers was named Best Coach, while James Jappah of LPRC Oilers earned President of the Year honors. NPA Pythons finished as runner-up.
In the Women’s Division, Meagan Yanford of D-Rockas won Highest Assist; Sarah Kromah of Highlander Female earned Highest Block; Brialliant Quayee of Commissioners claimed Highest Rebounder; Fanta Jalloh of Commissioners took Highest Steal; Korpo Sumo of Commissioners won Highest Pointer and was named Most Valuable Player; and Ginny Johnson of D-Rockas secured Highest Scorer. Moses Simpson of Commissioners was named Best Coach, while George Wilson was honored as President of the Year. D-Rockas finished as runner-up.
In the Second Division, Ayouba Swaray of Bushrod Dreams won Highest Assist, Highest Scorer, and Most Valuable Player. George Selle of Kakata Rockets, Augustine Lomax of Knight Reapers (Highest Block and Highest Rebounder), and Terry Anderson of Bushrod Dreams were also recognized. Momolu Dukuly of Bushrod Dreams was named President of the Year, with Knight Reapers finishing as runner-up.
Third Division awardees included Henry Philip of Spark Giants (Highest Assist and MVP); Kamara Kosso of Highlander Male (Highest Block and Highest Scorer); David Evans of D-14 Warriors (Highest Rebounder); and Jonathan Tuazama of Spark Giants (Highest Steal). Gaye Tuazama was named Coach of the Year, Aaron Neymah Club President of the Year, and Highway Prince runner-up.
Womi Tarpeh was named Fan of the Year, while DOC Africa received Corporate Sponsor of the Year honors.
Meanwhile, LBA President Abraham B. Samukai praised stakeholders, referees, the executive committee, the Liberia National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their commitment to basketball in Liberia.
In his address, Samukai described the 2024/2025 season as “a remarkable journey marked by progress, resilience, and historic milestones.”
“This season, the Liberia Basketball Association successfully hosted the 2025 National League across four divisions — First Division, Women’s Division, Second Division, and Third Division. The smooth organization of competitions across these categories demonstrates our administrative capacity and commitment to inclusive participation,” he said.
Highlighting international achievements, he noted, “We proudly hosted the FIBA U-16 Zone 3 Qualifiers for both male and female categories. I am especially proud that our female team made us proud, while our U-16 male team achieved a historic milestone by ranking 9th in Africa — a significant leap that signals the rising potential of our young athletes.”
On governance, he added, “We held a successful Congress where a new Constitution was approved, strengthening our governance framework. Additionally, a budget was endorsed, laying the financial roadmap for our operations and development agenda.”
Samukai emphasized capacity building, stating, “This year, we trained 30 coaches who successfully qualified as FIBA Level One coaches. Furthermore, one referee was certified as a local FIBA trainer, positioning Liberia to independently build the capacity of our match officials.”
He also disclosed that construction of dressing rooms had begun to improve facilities for players and officials, and that Liberia was represented at the FIBA Congress in Bahrain to ensure the country’s voice is heard in international basketball governance.
However, he acknowledged existing challenges.
“The development of basketball in Liberia continues to suffer from inadequate support. Financial constraints have significantly limited our ability to execute programs at full capacity. The Association remains highly indebted to vendors following the hosting of international tournaments—obligations we must honor,” he stated.
He further stressed the need for sustained investment in technical development and infrastructure, noting that coaches, referees, statisticians, and table officials require continuous training to meet international standards.
“These constraints are real — but they are not insurmountable. Basketball in Liberia is growing. Our youth are passionate. Our players are talented. Our administrators are committed,” Samukai declared.
He called for stronger partnerships and collaboration from government, the private sector, and development partners.
“As we close this league season, let us remember that basketball is more than a game. It is discipline. It is unity. It is opportunity. It is national pride,” he concluded.
For his part, Deputy Minister for Sports, G. Andy Quamie appealed to the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) to reconsider the suspension of the NPA Pythons for failing to honor their final game in the best-of-five championship series against the LPRC Oilers.
The deputy minister called for reconciliation and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of unity and sportsmanship in the development of basketball in Liberia.
“Basketball is about discipline and respect for the rules, but it is also about inclusion and second chances,” Quamie said. “I am appealing to the leadership of the LBA to look into the matter concerning the NPA Pythons and consider reinstating the team in the interest of fairness and the growth of the game.”
He noted that while regulations must be upheld, the broader objective should be to strengthen the league and maintain healthy competition.
The Deputy Minister further assured the Association of the Ministry’s continued support in promoting discipline, dialogue, and development within the sport.
