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2 basketball leagues to open this month
Two Basketball Association of Northern Mariana Islands-sanctioned leagues are kicking off this month at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
First up is the 2014 Emon Lodge No.179 Basketball Masters League, which will begin its competition on July 14. The league is for players in the 40-and-above age group and will feature six teams. The list includes Chef Team/Pacific Islands Club, Armatech, Bluehaus, Mariana Resort & Spa, I Love Saipan/Star Sand Plaza), and Team San Antonio.
Armatech’s Elmer Esdrelon is forced to make a dish off as he is challenged by two Blazers defenders during a game in last year’s Emon Lodge caging at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
A traditional parade of teams will take place at the opening ceremony at 6pm and participating squads are requested to be at the venue by 5:30pm. Two matches will be played in the opening day with the first one set for 6:30pm and the second at 8pm. Games in the Emon Lodge caging will be played every Monday and Wednesday.
The Tuesday and Thursday play dates are for the 2014 Inter-Hotel Basketball League, which will open shop on July 15.
Seven teams will battle for the championship: Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fiesta Resort, Pacific Islands Club, Kanoa Resort, Saipan World Resort, Mariana Resort &Spa, and Shirley’s Coffee/Century Hotel.
The opening ceremony is slated for 6:30pm and teams must be at the Ada gym by 5:30pm. The first match on the opening day is scheduled for 7:30pm, while the second is at 9pm. Defending champion Hyatt Regency Saipan will see action in the first game with its opponent to be determined via draw. Another draw will be held to pick the two other teams that will collide in the second match.
For more information, contact BANMI board member and referee association vice president Abner Venus at 888-3215.
