Ayuyus march past Knights 2

Kagman High School cruised past Mount Carmel school 2, 63-42, during the first game in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

With the tally pegged at 30-25, in the Ayuyus’ favor, at the end of the second quarter, Kagman pulled away for good at the resumption of play with a 19-point third quarter scoring outburst.

The Ayuyus and Knights 2 showcased different playing styles, with the former relying on their post players and the latter leaning on their sharpshooters. In the end, Kagman’s dominance in the paint overpowered Mt. Carmel 2.

J.D. Magofna muscled his way in the shaded lane en route to a team-high 12 points, while Dean Blake and Henry Aguon contributed to the Ayuyus’ victory after making 11 markers apiece. Kobe Lifoifoi rounded out the Ayuyus’ double-digit performers with his 10 points.

The towering and speedy Ayuyus played to their strengths and overwhelmed their opposition with multiple post moves and fastbreak baskets. Kagman threatened to pull away in the first quarter after building a 20-6 lead, forcing MCS 2 coach John Hernandez to call his shooters to bring them back into contention. The Knights’ snipers—Merrick Toves, Richard Steele, and John San Nicolas—rose to the occasion and teamed up for 20 points in the remaining minutes of the first half to move MCS 2 within 5 at the break. Toves, Steele, and John combined for five three pointers in the second quarter, but they were not able to carry their momentum in the second half, allowing Kagman to break away.

With the victory, Kagman improved to a 6-1 record and kept the No. 2 spot in the team standings behind the unbeaten Saipan Southern High School (6-0). The Knights 2, on the other hand, fell to seventh place and have only won one out of seven games.

Meanwhile, the Manta Rays stretched their winning streak to six ‘after waltzing past Agape Christian School 1 in the second game, 61-39.

With the loss to the league-leading Saipan Southern, Agape 1 slipped to No. 5 in the team rankings and fell to an even 3-3 mark.

Agape 1 hopes to bounce back today when it takes on MCS 2 at the Koblerville Gymnasium at 3:30pm. Over at the Saipan International School court in As Lito, the Geckos will host Kagman. Two more games are scheduled for today with the visiting MCS 1 battling Agape 2 in the latter’s Gualo Rai turf and Grace Christian Academy facing Saipan Southern at the Eagles court.

KHS, 63 — Magofna 12, Aguon 11, Blake 11, Lifoifoi 10, Blas 4, Sacdalan 4, Quitano 4, Agulto 4, Augustino 2, Reyes 2.
MCS 2 42 — Toves 20, Steele 11, Salvador 8, John San Nicolas 5.
Scoring by quarters: 9-8, 24-17, 41-29, 51-44.