Barracudas/Mantas win GCDC U17 tournament

 Team Barracuda/Mantas defeated the Sharks/Dolphins, 28-16, to win the Garapan Community Development Center’s 2012 U17 Girls Basketball League postseason tournament held last Sunday at the Garapan Basketball Court.

The CNMI Women’s Association co-sponsored the finale event, which was held to celebrate GCDC’s 2012 1st Anniversary Bash family event.

The team was made up of Rachel Abrahms, Madeleine Alegre, Jeralyn Castillo, Patrishia Echavez, Jahnelle Francisco, Joy Pena, Denise Samson, Shaina Santiago, Keolani Rios, and Glorily Williams.

The team won a team trophy and bragging rights after the month-long season of competition leading up to the finale.

Barracudas/Mantas’ Rios struck with a string of three early buckets after the opening tip to put her team on a good pace and teammates Abrahms and Pena matched her effort late in the half of the period to put the group ahead, 12-6, at the break.

Sharks/Dolphins’ Lia Rangamar retaliated with a couple of baskets to end the first canto and added two more quick strikes in the second half.

But the Barracudas/Mantas’ defense remained strong in the trenches.

Sharks/Dolphins’ Karleen Reyes tried to get things going with five points in the clutch, but the champion team did a good job both using their bench and spreading the ball around as seven different players all chipped in on the action.

Barracudas/Mantas’ Rios and Abrahms led the charge with six points apiece, while Sharks/Dolphins’ Rangamar led all scorers with eight.

GCDC’s anniversary event also had a series of family games for modest prize packages provided by sponsors Coca-Cola Saipan, D&Q Saipan, Docomo Pacific, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Hollywood Theater, Horizons Inc., Hyatt Regency Saipan, IP&E, Marianas Country Club, McDonald’s Saipan, Micronesian Brokers, Inc., Modern Stationary, Pacific Islands Club, and Triple J Motors.

The Itibus, Rios, and Taitano families were hailed as the winners of contest after completion of an assortment of relay games such as the spoon toss, sneaker scramble, and a grab bag race among others.

Kagman Elementary School’s Umang Glee Club also performed during the side games intermission.

The GCDC would like to thank the Commonwealth Election Commission, Vice Speaker Felicidad Ogumoro, Reps. Edmund Villagomez and Francisco Dela Cruz, and the Carolinian Affairs Office for all of their support.

GCDC’s Joe Diaz was also on hand and extended his gratitude to the Umang Club and event volunteers Verna and John Babauta, Jason Peter Iglesias, Fred Litulumar, James Itibus, Cyprianna Kapileo, Paul Camacho, Ichnis, Jenifer, Richard and Josephine.

In addition to celebrating GCDC’s one year of service, the purpose of event was also to get the word out to the public that GCDC’s services are ready and available.

GCDC offers daily after-school programs and forms of counseling throughout the week. Call 233-8978 for more information.

Barracudas/Mantas 28 – Abrahms 6, Rios 6, Alegre 4, Castillo 2, Francisco 2, Pena 2, Samson 2, Santiago 2, Williams 2.

Sharks/Dolphins 16 – Rangamar 8, Reyes 5, Alipio 2, Lebria 2, Kautz 1.

Scoring by halves: 12-6, 28-16.