Sixers I aiming for perfection

Ryan Nisperos is not one to beat around the bush and when asked what he thinks of his team’s chances in the 2004 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League, the Sixers I coach immediately said he would take nothing less than a championship.

After finishing the elimination round with a perfect 11-0 slate en route to winning the pennant title, Nisperos seemed confident he could wrap up the ongoing season unscathed.

The long-time San Antonio coach, however, said that one thing he fears in the playoffs is the officiating. He said as long as capable referees get to call the games then he has no doubt Sixers I would emerge victorious.

Nisperos and Sixers I get to stake their spotless record and date with destiny tomorrow afternoon when they face off against No. 8 seed Chalan Kanoa Saints.

Sixers I are loaded in all positions with lanky forwards Kevin Cequena and Rowell Aranda leading the charge. Nisperos can also lean on the likes of Brian Flores, John Ngeskebei, Julian Ranas, and Allison Kaipat for added firepower.

Meanwhile, the Saints live and die with their dynamic duo of brothers Luis and L.J. Reyes. It’s a must that the team gets good numbers from center Rick San Nicolas and swingman Sato Manalo to give the team a chance against Sixers I. The Saints is coached by former Hoosier center Mel Manibusan.

Immediately following the 5:30pm match between Sixers I and CK Saints is the encounter between No. 2 seed Makos and Sparks, which finished seventh in the first round.

The Makos have been a revelation this season, taking Sixers I to the brink and defeating defending champions Ol’Aces in their last two games to the delight of coach Pol Magcalas.

The only problem with the Paul Magcalas and Christian Dela Cruz-led team is its inability to hold on to big leads. In both contests against Sixers I and Ol’Aces, Makos gave up double-digit spreads with less than five minutes to go.

The Sparks, for their part, also have shown remarkable improvement in their last two elimination round assignments when they shocked Garapan Rollers I and the Saints. The boys of coach George Cruz are a pesky bunch led by leading scorer Benjamin Jones, Jr. and rebounder extraordinaire Mike Reyes.

The other playoff match pits G-Rollers I against Ol’Aces in the opener Tuesday with 69ers I taking on Sixers II in the nightcap.

Winners of the four games will advance to the semifinals on Wednesday. The championship of the 18-and-under league between the semis survivors gets underway Friday at 7pm. It will be preceded by the battle for third and followed immediately by an awards ceremony.