Cruz lauds volunteers for effort

From accommodations to transportation, scorekeeping to operating time clocks, the volunteers of the ongoing 2nd Annual DFS-Northern Youth Basketball League are playing a big role in making the event a success.

NYBA vice president George Cruz praised all that are assisting with the event, and expressed his appreciation during an interview on Wednesday.

“We really have some great managers and assistant managers that have taken the lead, and that enables us, the directors, to focus on the games,” Cruz said. “Everything has been going smooth, and of course, there are some glitches here and there, but I would like to thank our managers and their assistants who’ve handled them well.”

What strikes the attention of many is that majority of the volunteers are from the youth, and Cruz explained that all have stepped up and showed they are capable of putting on a good show.

“I think the thing that’s standing out the most is that the table officials are youth and they’re really stepping up,” Cruz said. “The off-island teams and even the teams from here, they’re really noticing that. [Youth officials] are showing they are responsible and can be professional just like the way it was in the [Micronesian] Games.”

“These kids bring so much energy, and I guess it’s because they love the game and really want to be a part of it in anyway. We have a lot of volunteers that are non-players, and they bring energy the whole day. They’re here and want to learn so much that they cross- train,” Cruz added.

As for the competition, Cruz said NYBA is pleased and satisfied.

“The competition is good. It’s anybody’s ballgame and. I’m glad that all the islands—Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam—are represented, and for us, that’s the biggest thing,” he said.

As reported earlier, about 50 teams were interested in the competition, with 27 coming through and actually competing.

Cruz explained that the association is happy with the turnout, citing that 50 teams was just too much.

“We’re so happy with the turnout,” he said. “Our goal was to get at least 25 teams, and we got 27. About 50 teams were interested, but I’m kind a glad we didn’t get that because that would’ve been a nightmare.”

NYBA action resumes today after a one-day break yesterday in observance of Thanksgiving.

Hopwood Junior High School and the Crusaders of the girls’ 15-and-under division are scheduled to battle at 9am at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. The G-Rollers and Agat Lakers face off in the 12-and-under division at the same time at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Other games include the Lakers and G-Rollers battling in the Division III girls at the Ada Gym at 10:30am, followed by the Ballers and Barrigada facing off in the Division III boys category at noon.

MHS will also play host to the Sonics and Lakers of the boys’ 15-and-under division at 10:30am. Playoffs will also kick off, with the championship games set for tomorrow.