Rasa leads Govt cage scoring department

Forward Steve Rasa is making a strong case for another stint in the CNMI National Men’s Basketball Team for the upcoming Micronesian Games as he currently leads the 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League in scoring.

Rasa, who is one big reason why the Department of Labor has won four straight games, has been the team’s go-to player in offense.

With his consistent attacks in the lane and touch from the outside, Rasa is the only cager in the league averaging above the 30-point mark as he drills in 31.6 points per outing.

Right behind Rasa is veteran Jerome Reyes of the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Fire Dawgs as the guard has provided his team with big ample scoring with an average of 28.4 points per game. In his most recent outing, Reyes carried ARFF to its third win in five games as he torched the nets for 35 points in the team’s 69-63 victory over Office of the Public Auditor Wednesday night.

Third on the list of elite scorers is power forward Romeo Iginoef of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The former Rotary league all-star has caused pain to opponents with his inside game as he averages 27 points per game, while serving as DCCA’s first option in the paint. With Iginoef doing damage, DCCA is tied for third place with a 3-1 win-loss record.

Holding the No. 4 spot is all-around veteran Ed Diaz of defending champion No Zone, as the versatile cager was able to punch in 24 points per outing, while also working hard on defense and distributing the rock. Diaz and teammate John Sablan, who also ranks among the top scorers, have been consistent on putting points on the board for No Zone, which has won four straight after dropping its first game of the season.

Taj Van Buren of the Public School System has also proven to be a lethal threat with the ball in his hands, as the Hopwood Junior High School teacher has worked his magic from beyond the arc and averages 23.5 points per contest. Van Buren caught the eyes of many last Jan. 31, as he put on a shooting clinic in a win over ARFF after waxing hot for nine 3-pointers.

ARFF slotman Jawn Joyner, another hopeful for the Micro Games, is currently ranked sixth in the league with an average of 22.8 points per game as his speed, leaping ability, and touch from the outside has served him and his team well.

No Zone’s Sablan follows with an average of 22.6 points per game as the young gun continues to showcase his shooting touch from any where on the court.

Capping off the Top 10 are Ben Peliseman of the Department of Public Safety Enforcers, and Ray Duenas and Sim Iramk of the Legislature Lawmakers.

Peliseman has been a strong addition to the DPS squad, providing the team with 21.3 points per game. With Peliseman joining forces with the team’s long list of veterans, the squad is tied for third with a 3-1 card.

Duenas and Iramk are the Lawmakers’ one-two punch with Duenas leading the team with 19 points per game and Iramk supporting him strong with an average of 18.4 points per game.

Statistics were provided by the Division of Sports and Recreation based on three or more games played.