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Aranda, Iguel, Diaz get top honors
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Posted on Nov 16 2005
Phenoms Rowell Aranda of 2005 champion Southern Sonics and Pedro Iguel of pennant champion Garapan Rollers I were recognized for their efforts while coach Joe Diaz was lauded for his job on the sidelines during an awards ceremony held shortly after the Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League championship game Tuesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Aranda was superb throughout the season and was the league’s most lethal scorer, averaging close to 30 points per game while breaking the 40-point mark several times to take home the scoring title.
There were no butterflies for Aranda in the league’s championship game against Iguel’s G-I crew as he stepped up to the challenge and carried his team to claiming the coveted title with a 47-point performance, scoring whenever his team needed him to en route to winning the championship most valuable player award.
For his part, Iguel was surrounded by younger players and was among the league leaders in scoring while also creating opportunities for teammates to score to earn the regular season MVP trophy.
Iguel’s versatility served as the biggest key on the court for the G-Rollers as he led by example and spearheaded the team to finish the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record.
Both players were also members of the league’s Mythical 5 Team, which also comprised of Sonics center Jack Lizama, San Antonio guard Josh Sablan, and Sixers I forward Kevin Cequena. All five were their team’s top performers, finding no trouble in scoring double figures each time on the court.
Meanwhile, Diaz was applauded for turning the G-Rollers I into a dominant team. What earned him so much respect, though, was that he served as coach for four teams this season as he also headed the G-Rollers II, who also made it to the playoffs, as well as young teams G-Rollers III and Capitol Hill Breeze.
Diaz’s G-III team was also recognized by league officials as it took home the Sportsmanship trophy.
Also going home with a shiny hardware was cagebelle Nichole Lebria, who was the only female player to suit up this season. The youngster served as a guard in a G-Rollers III uniform under Diaz and has shown promise while competing against the boys.
