Sixers squads victorious in Rotary

The two Sixers teams participating in the 2004 Rotary Club of Saipan Summer Youth Basketball League came up with contrasting wins, while the CNMI Women’s National Team continued to battle in the continuation of the 18-and-under cagefest last Thursday and Wednesday.

Sixers I literally had a ball in the opening game Thursday, whipping a hapless Garapan Rollers II team, 73-53, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The powerhouse team got off to a lightning-quick start and never looked back. Sixers I took the opening half, 49-18, and then strolled to victory in the second.

Kevin Cequena and Rowell Aranda both finished in the 30s to pace Sixers I, while Arvin Aranda was the only G-Roller who wound up in double digits with 10 points.

In the second game, Sixers II huffed and puffed before edging a tough Saints team 66-63.

Saints gave it all they got in the first quarter and managed to lead Sixers II. The Chalan Kanoa squad took a 33-31 lead at the turn thanks in no small part to the scoring prowess of brothers Luis and L.J. Reyes.

But Sixers II, behind the guns of Jason Bahillo and James Kintz, clawed back in the second half and eventually took the lead—one they wouldn’t relinquish until the end of the game.

Bahillo and Kintz scored 16 and 14 points to pace Sixers II, while Luis and L.J. combined for 43 points to lead the Saints’ losing cause.

On Wednesday, Ol’Aces scored its second straight win following an opening day loss to Sixers I, routing the Sparks 67-34.

The Sparks didn’t offer much of a resistance in the first half and trailed, 14-35, at the break. They were no better in the second as the defending champions blew the game wide open and won the game with plenty to spare.

Micronesian Basketball Tournament veteran Danny Barcinas was the highpoint man for Ol’Aces with 19 points. Jeff Deleon Guerrero also chipped in 17 points in the victory. No Sparks player broke into double figures.

In the nightcap, Garapan Rollers I weathered a strong first half effort by the CNMI Women’s National Team before prevailing 96-50.

The players of women’s coach Donald Blondin put the breaks on G-Rollers I’s fastbreak and were only down by 17 points, 31-48, at intermission.

But Bill Kaipat and Pete Iguel started to earn their salt in the second half leading the 14-and-under champions to the win.

Kaipat scored a game-high 26 to spearhead G-Rollers, while Iguel and sharpshooter Lester Babauta added 16 and 10 points, respectively.

Center Vanessa Diaz powered her way for 17 points to top-score for the Nationals.

Wednesday
First Game

Ol’Aces 67 – D. Barcinas 19, Deleon Guerrero 17, O. Ogumoro 9, A. Barcinas 8, Kani 6, Tenorio 6, K. Ogumoro 2.

Sparks 34 – Ogarto 6, Reyes 6, Iguel 5, San Nicolas 5, J. Benjamin 4, K. Benjamin 2, Manibusan 2, Ulloa 2.

Scoring by halves: 35-14, 67-34.

Second Game

Garapan Rollers I 96 – Kaipat 26, Iguel 16, Babauta 10, Pangelinan 8, Acosta 6, Chariton 6, Teregeyo 6, Tumaquip 6, Ada 4, Naraja 2.

Women Nationals 50 – Diaz 17, Ogumoro 7, Camacho 6, Ruluked 6, Elayda 3, Oiterang 2, Stein 2.

Scoring by halves: 48-31, 96-50.

Thursday
First Game

Sixers I 73 – Cequena 33, Aranda 32, A. Flores 21, Ranas 17, B. Flores 10, Lizama 9.

Garapan Rollers II 53 – Avila 10, Camacho 8, Tebuteb 8, Cequena 6, Aldan 5, Moses 3, Cruz 3, Iguel 2, Teregeyo 2, Telllei 2, De Vera 2, Castro 2.

Scoring by halves: 49-18, 73-53.

Second Game

Sixers II 66 – Ja. Bahillo 16, Kintz 14, Ferrer 12, Je. Bahillo 6, Rangamar 6, Palacios 6.

Saints 63 – Lu. Reyes 22, L.J. Reyes 21, G. Iglecias 10, San Nicolas 5, La. Reyes 2, B. Iglecias 2.

Scoring by halves: 31-33, 66-63.