Kagman tops MHS as Interscholastic cage tips off

The 2005 Interscholastic Basketball League kicked off with a mighty bang Wednesday afternoon at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, with the Kagman High School Lady Ayuyus and Lady Dolphins entertaining the crowd to the final horn.

Tricia Falig exploded in the second half and fueled Kagman to an impressive debut as the Ayuyus edged the Dolphins, 45-44.

The bout was as close as any match can get, with Kagman opening a slim lead, 9-6, after the first quarter.

The two teams would continue to match each other throughout the second period, which ended with Kagman still holding a firm grip on their one-point lead, 17-16.
After breaking the ice in the first half, all the nervous butterflies turned into aggressive machines as cagers from both squads began to find their touch.

Falig went berserk for Kagman, torching the net for 10 of the Ayuyus 14 points.

Unfortunately, former league most valuable player Werlly Quitugua and Shaunna Yang also caught fire, combining for 12 points and spearheading the Dolphins to a 3-point cushion with only one period left in regulation, 34-31.

The Dolphins’ Emily Jang would join the scoring spree in the fourth quarter, pumping in six points in hopes of carrying her squad to victory, however, it was the trio of Falig, Ma Janelle Guiao, and Nadia Diaz that emerged successful, each scoring two field goals as the Lady Ayuyus outscored their opponents in crunch time to escape with the hairline victory margin.

Falig finished with a game-high 21 points to lead Kagman, while Guiao and Diaz supported with 8 and 6 points.

Quitugua led three Dolphins in double figures with 12 points, while Jang and Yang contributed 10 points apiece.

The Dolphins only suited up six cagers for the bout as other team members were ineligible to play. According to Donald Blundin of MHS, the squad should field more players for their next game.

Interscholastic action continues today with Kagman High School squaring off against Mount Carmel High School in the boys’ division while the Lady Ayuyus take the floor and try to open with consecutive wins against Grace Christian Academy.

Other teams participating in the boys’ division are Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, and Tinian High School.

The girls’ cast includes SSHS and THS.

Kagman High School 45—Falig 21, Guiao 8, Diaz 6, Conner 4, Mabel 4, Takai 2, Indalecio 2.

Marianas High School 44—Quitugua 12, E. Jang 10, Yang 10, J. Jang 6, Agbanlog 4, Bermudes 2.

Scoring by quarters: 9-6, 17-16, 31-34, 45-44.

Referees: Gabriel White and Jess Pacheco.