Cruz takes home another MVP trophy

Jericho Cruz was simply sensational in yesterday’s championship game of the 2005 IVYBL Christmas Tournament as he came through when his team needed him the most, and thus, earned another most valuable player award.

Cruz, who had very limited playing time in the elimination round and semifinals, was called on in the biggest game of the tournament, and answered with a bang.

The versatile cager gave a hint of what was to come from him by opening with seven points in the first quarter to help his team grab the early lead.

After drilling a field goal and two free throws in the second period, Cruz came out strong in the third and took control of the game. He scored 11 points in the first eight minutes of the second half, and finished the way he started with another seven points in the fourth to wand up with a game-high 29 points in the G-crew’s 63-54 victory.

With the performance, Cruz was a shoo-in for the award, which was presented to him by tournament co-coordinator Jonathan Tenorio, Division of Sports and Recreation official Elias Rangamar, and Saipan Mayor Jan B. Tudela.

Cruz’s efforts also earned for himself holiday cash as he took home $50 to go along with the award.

“He did really good,” said G-Rollers assistant coach Jose Tumaquip of his go-to-guy. “He experienced playing in the championship game of the Rotary league, he played in the championship for the NYBA Tournament, and then he played in the championship game on Guam, so he’s used to that kind of situation.”

Cruz played a big role for the G-Rollers in their title run in the 13-15 age division of the inaugural NYBA Tournament last month, then did the same for the Saipan All Stars at the Shell Guam 2005 Drug-Free Thanksgiving Youth Basketball Invitational earlier in the month.

He was also a big factor in the G-Rollers I perfect regular season finish in the Saipan Rotary Youth Basketball League, and helped the team make an appearance in the championship game.

Cruz had also won the MVP award in the Back 2 School 3-on-3 Street Basketball Jam after leading his team, Fantastic Five, to the title last September.

According to Tumaquip, Cruz’s next task is just several months away as he will take part in the 16-and-under division of the inaugural NYBA League, which is set to get underway on March.