Previous Story
Masters, open basketball leagues in the works
JSN’s Jerome Norita, right, takes off for a layup against SSFM’s Jesse Santos during their semis match in the San Antonio summer caging last June at the San Antonio court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Outdoor basketball action on Saipan may resume next month, as organizer Boy Garcia is looking at holding a masters basketball league at the San Antonio court.
Garcia said at least eight teams have already expressed interest in joining the masters caging, which is for players in the 40-and-above age group. MGD Construction, Armatech, PC Bargain, Fong’s Bakery, and a team headed by Marlon Sison are on the initial list.
Initially, Garcia planned to have the masters league at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, but the facility is likely to undergo repairs and renovation in the remaining months of this year, forcing Garcia to look for another venue so as not to disrupt the games in the upcoming competition.
The masters league is tentatively set to kick off on Sept. 15 and interested teams are requested to contact Garcia at 989-6386 for more information. Updates and other details about the masters caging will be released as the tournament nears.
Meanwhile, Garcia will also organize an open league and he is looking to have at least 10 teams compete for the championship.
The open league has a target kick-off date mid October, giving interested squads more time to prepare and avoid rained-out matches at the outdoor San Antonio court. The 2017 San Antonio Summer Basketball League was the last competition hosted at the outdoor facility with the Jack Lizama, Andrew Palino, and Dan Barcinas-led SSFM winning the championship after beating Arianne Fish Mart in the one-game finals, 105-83. Fourteen teams participated in the summer caging.
