DFS-NYBA Invitational underway

The 2nd Annual DFS-Northern Youth Basketball Association Invitational kicked off yesterday at the MArianas High School Gymnasium.

The tournament, which includes teams from Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Guam, got underway with an opening ceremony that had all the works—teams that are already on island took part in a parade, long time basketball enthusiast Abner Venus gave openign remarks, Southern Sonics coach Jesse Tudela gave the coaches remarks, the U.S. National Anthem and CNMI Anthem were sung by Amber Mendiola and Florence Peter with music by the Saipan Southern High School Band.

NYBA officials then led all in recognizing former players who served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. All games during the tournament are dedicated to the them.

Among those recognized were Ambrosio Ogumoro Sr., Chris Idip, Juan Ogumoro, Sidro Tebuteb, Jeremy Winkfield, Derrick Omengebar, Carlos Aguon, Alex Ogumoro, Eugene Tebuteb, Abong Camacho, Peter Camacho, Ladonna Castro, Leroy Kani, Jonathan Salas, Raffy San Nicolas, Roque Castro, Ryan Mendoza, Nick Ranas, Henry Van Meter, Larry Buniag, Nick Villegas, Christine Torres, and Frankie Dela Cruz.

Special presentations were also given by current players Don Teregeyo, Nicole Lebria, Robert Naraja, and Nadia Diaz.

The tournament features three age divisions.

Making up the cast for the Division I 12-and-under comptition is Saipan International School, Agat Lakers, and Garapan Rollers.

The Division II 15-and-under boys competition will feature nine teams as the San Antonio Sixers, Tinian I, Garapan Rollers, G-Stars, and Yigo Jokers in Pool A, and the G-Rollers II, Tinian II, Sonics, and Agat Lakers in Pool B. The girls’ contest will feature Hopwood Junior High School, G-Rollers, Tinian, and Agat Lakers.

The Division III boys’ 19-and-under has Tinian, Barrigada Crusaders, 670, G-Rollers, and Navy Hill Ballers in Pool A, while Pool B comprises of Rota, Sonics, G-Sparks, and Matansa Sparks.

The Agat Lakers, Hopwood Junio High School, and G-Rollers make up the 19-and-under girls’ competition.

The NYBA has two offices, with one located at the Ada Gym conference and the other at the MHS Gym.

Games will run until Saturday, Nov. 25, with no games on Thursday.

For more information, email NYBA at nyba-cnmi@hotmail.com, or contact Elias Rangamar at 664-2502 or Cruz at 233-4647.