Lancherus reap second win in MS boys hoops

In this file photo, DanDan Middle School’s Matthew Peters goes for a layup in their game against Agape Christian School last April 17 in the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Middle School Basketball League 2022-2023 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. (LEIGH GASES)

The ChaCha Ocean View Middle School Lancherus reaped their second win in the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Middle School Basketball League 2022-2023 last Wednesday night at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The Lancherus and the Hopwood Middle School Hilitais were evenly matched on the court, but the former came out on top in the end for a 22-17 win.

The game was intense, with both teams pushing themselves to their limits. It was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team willing to back down—and the Lancherus led by Petuel Albert— dominated the paint and kept the Hilitais on their toes.

Though the passing game of the Hilitais were on point throughout the game, almost all the Hilitais were able to contribute to their team’s final score. In contrast, the Lancherus relied on Albert who scored 15 of the team’s points. 

The end of the first half was a close one as the Lancherus was in the lead only by two, 9-7. The Hilitais led off the second half with multiple free throws by Hanz Ansus, followed by a 3- pointer from Twayne Kapwich.

However, the Lancherus were never far behind as Albert continued to swish the net. Then, they pulled into the lead as Liam Wilson was fouled, and was followed by Albert being fouled too. 

The last points registered by the Hilitais were also free throws by John Champangpangan and James Enriquez, but they couldn’t catch up to the Lancherus’ five point lead before the time expired.

In other results that day, DanDan Middle School is still undefeated after shutting out Grace Christian Academy in a lopsided 70-2 win; Saipan International School also has an unblemished record after defeating Tanapag Middle School, 66-13; Francisco M. Sablan Middle School beat Mount Carmel School, 35-21.

In the junior varsity games, Hopwood Middle School slipped past FMS in a close 28-26 game; and DMS defeated MCS, 41-7.

In the standings, DMS and SIS lead with five wins and no losses each; FMS has a 4-1 card; Agape Christian School are 3-1; COVS have two wins and three losses; MCS has two wins and one loss; TMS has one win and four losses; and GCA and HMS have yet to win.

COVMS 22 – Albert 15, Seman 4, Wilson 3. 
HMS 17 – Champangpangan 6, Kapwich 3, and Ansus 3, Libante II 2, Camacho 2, Enriquez 1.
Scoring by halves: 9-7; 22-17.