Bayani, Rotary, NMBF, swimmers make headlines

Bayani Association reigned, the Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League playoffs was as intense as ever, champions of the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation’s first tourney were crowned, and youth swimmers battled at the Kan Pacific Pool to headline the week’s top events.

After losing Game 1 of their best-of-three championship series in the 2nd SIP Inter-Color Basketball League, Bayani completed a sweet comeback as the team took the third game of the series to beat MOVER, 96-86, and win the open division title.

Bayani was down by seven points mid-way through the final period, but got a huge lift from slotman Jawn Joyner to turn the tables and take the crown.

Bayani’s Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr. won the championship MVP award, while Elmer Esdrelon of MOVER took home regular season MVP honors.

The two were members of the Mythical Five squad, which also consisted of forwards Kevin Cequena of Ensure and Gyles Ruluked of Bayani, and center Ruther Demigillo of SMF.

Meanwhile, the Rotary playoffs kicked off with a bang on Monday, with the Garapan Rollers I beating Fotten Gaga II, and Chalan Kanoa Saints surviving the Wildcats. The next day, the San Antonio Sixers edged Fotten Gaga I, while the G-Rollers II dethroned 2005 champion Southern Sonics. The Sixers then defeated the Saints while G-I beat G-II in the semifinals, setting the stage for the finals held Friday night.

In the NMBF tourney, Diane Dar Juan took home the championship of the women’s singles, while Priyawathan Wijay won the men’s singles and teamed with Ryan Achas to win the men’s doubles crown, and Janice Bungalos won two titles, teaming with Gigi Zapanta to top the women’s doubles and with Macoi Aguda to win the mixed doubles contest.

Also, the pool in Marpi was busy on Saturday as the Saipan Swim Club welcomed teams from Whispering Palms School, Saipan International School, Marianas High School, Grace Christian Academy, Saipan Community School, Eucon International School, and Calvary Christian Academy for the 14th Annual All-Schools Championships in Marpi.

Whispering Palms School repeated as the elementary school champion after bagging 370 points, Saipan International School took the fast lane to first place in the high school division with 115 points, and also won the junior high division with 159 points, edging WPS, which finished with 148 points.

Organizers and participants for the 8th Annual Micronesian Cup were also busy prepping for the big event, while the World Organized Rocball Community League kicked off its regular season with Kich Fairo and the Ballers battling in the opener. Action also continued in the SML Fall League, the 2006 MDX Good Sportsmanship Basketball League Coca-Cola Cup, as well as the 8th Annual Miller Lite Co-ed Four-Person Beach Volleyball League.