Sixers teams dominate as Rotary kicks off

The 14th season of the Rotary Club of Saipan Summer Youth Basketball League commenced Monday night with the two Sixers teams making sizzling debuts at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Sixers I looked unbeatable in their 107-76 dismantling of defending champion Ol’Aces in the first game. Sixers II, meanwhile, had a field day against the CNMI Women’s National Team in the second game 67-46.

Taking full advantage of Pacific Oceania FIBA rules dividing the game into two 20-minute halves, Sixers I exploded from the gates and opened up a double-digit advantage in the game’s first five minutes.

Led by UFO-San Miguel Cup mainstays Rowell Aranda and Julian Ranas, the San Antonio-based squad rested at halftime with a comfortable 58-41 cushion.

National team member Danny Barcinas tried to jumpstart the defending champions in the second half, slashing and driving to the basket. But there was just too much firepower from the Sixers I side.

Kevin Cequena, yet another UFO refugee, would join Aranda and Ranas and together the three baffled the defenses of Ol’Aces. The game forgivingly ended with Sixers I walking away with the lopsided win.

Ranas led Sixers I with a game-high 29 markers, while Aranda and Cequena added 22 and 19 points, respectively. Center Jack Lizama also hauled down a game-high 13 boards for Sixers I.

Kovin Ogumoro and Barcinas top-scored for Ol’Aces with 16 and 12 points. Barcinas’ brother Aitou also grabbed 10 boards in the loss.

Sixers II also had a heyday against the 2004 Micronesian Basketball Tournament bronze medal team.

It was especially loose in the first half with the younger Sixers team going up 41-17. But things got a bit serious in the second half.

With Sixers II taking the women a little for granted, Beverly Igitol and Vanessa Diaz led a mini run that put a dent on the lead.

But the Sixers II eventually played just well enough to win the ballgame. James Kintz led Sixers II with 15 points, while the duo of Rayner Ferrer and Leo Apelo fired 10 points apiece. Apelo also came away with 11 boards and Ferrer had 4 assists.

Igitol pumped in 14 points and Diaz 12 for the women. Diaz also pulled down 11 rebounds in the loss. The women incidentally outrebounded Sixers II 51-47.

Earlier, Rotary officials led by president Harry Blalock and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta graced the opening and thanked the youth for joining the league.

First Game

Sixers I 107 – Ranas 29, Aranda 22, Cequena 19, Ngeskebei 12, B. Flores 11, Echon 8, Lizama 4, A. Flores 2.

Ol’Aces 76 – K. Ogumoro 16, D. Barcinas 12, Kani 10, Deleon Guerrero 9, Kim 8, A. Barcinas 6, Tenorio 4, Victor 3, Aldan 2, T. Ogumoro 2, O. Ogumoro 2, Babauta 2.

Scoring by halves: 58-41, 107-76.

Referees: Gabriel White and John Reyes.

Second Game

Sixers II 67 – Kintz 15, Ray. Ferrer 10, Appelo 10, Kaipat 9, Ran. Ferrer 9, F. Palacios 6, Rangamar 6, E. Palacios 2.

Women Nationals 46 – Igitol 14, Diaz 12, Ruluked 10, Cruz 4, Ngirchongor 4, Elayda 2.

Scoring by halves: 41-17, 67-46.

Referees: Elias Rangamar and P. Camacho.