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Strong starting five for girls MBT squad
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Posted on Jun 15 2011
The CNMI U15 Girls Team will be pinning its hopes on a formidable starting five when the 2011 Micronesian Basketball Tournament in Palau kicks off next week.
“We have only nine players, but our starting five is strong,” head coach Connie Camacho said.
Camacho, who will be assisted by former CNMI Women’s Nationals Lia Rangamar, is talking of point guard Jeraldine Castillo, center Rachel Abrams, shooter Kaylani Lebria, and forwards Denise Samson and Kyla Ito. Completing the team are Kriz Gozon, Melody Johnson, Carey Demapan, and Theodora Falcon.
“This is a team that can run and at the same shoot from outside,” Camacho said.
Castillo and Abrams both played for the MHS Lady Dolphins who topped the MISO caging last season. Lebria and Demapan suited up for the Mt. Carmel School Lady Knights, who finished runner-up in the private school caging. The rest of the team played basketball in their respective schools. The group has been practicing for more than two months.
“The girls have been playing scrimmages with older, faster, and bigger high school players in MISO so they are in good condition. I believe we will be able to bring home a medal,” Camacho added.
Camacho’s wards will be battling two teams from Palau and one from Guam. Both Team Palau and Team Belau have an 11-player roster, while Guam’s lineup has yet to be posted at the tournament’s website.
The CNMI cagebelles will leave for Palau Friday and will be joined by the seven-player CNMI U15 Boys Team and some BANMI officials.
The MBT U15 caging is the first series of regional competitions Micronesian Basketball Confederation will be hosting in the next four years, leading up to the 2014 Micronesian Games in Pohnpei. There will be separate tournaments for U17 and U19 age groups.
