Last day to sign up for IVYBL

Teams interested in competing in the 2005 Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League have until today to register, according to league coordinator Jonathan Tenorio.

Tenorio said yesterday that teams have yet to register and are willing to compete must contact him or Joe Mettao by 4:30pm.

So far, eight teams have confirmed participation in the 2005 14-and-under cage season, including Garapan Rollers, Sixers I and II, Kagman, 69ers, Sparks, Hopwood Junior High School, and the Young Warriors.

Tenorio said the league is set to begin this Monday, Feb. 28, at the Garapan basketball court with a rematch of last year’s championship game between the G-Rollers and the 69ers. The match is scheduled to tip off at 6:30pm.

He explained, though, that all participating players in the upcoming season must submit identification documents for proof of age as well as a signed waiver form prior to playing.

Teams are also required to pay an entrance fee of $100, however, Tenorio said the league would settle with a partial payment—at least $50—that must be paid no later than 4:30pm today. The remaining balance must be settled by the team’s second match of the season.

Meanwhile, action for next week includes the Sixers I battling the Sparks at the As Matuis court on Tuesday; the Sixers II banging heads with HJHS at the Koblerville court on Wednesday; and the Young Warriors hosting Kagman at Tanapag on Thursday. Tip off for all games are scheduled for 6:30pm.

No games will be played on Fridays.

A schedule released yesterday indicates a one-round regular season, with all teams challenging each other at least once.

If all goes as scheduled, the playoffs would get underway on April 25, with the pennant winner going against the No. 8 team. No. 2 and No. 7 will be pitted against each other, No. 3 will play No. 6, and No. 4 will battle No. 5.

The winning teams would then advance to the semifinals. Those advancing from the semifinals would battle for this year’s crown, while the two remaining teams would play in the consolation game.

Games postponed due to rain would be made up and played at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Last year, Joe Diaz coached his G-Rollers squad to a spectacular 11-0 regular season finish. The squad then capped their impressive charge with a comeback victory over a might 69ers team in the finale, rallying from 10 points down with only five minutes left in regulation for a 60-58 victory.

For more information or to register, contact Tenorio or Mettao at 664-2503 or visit them at the Ada Gym.