MBT tryout draws good turnout

About 20 players showed up for the first tryout for the CNMI teams that will be competing in Micronesian Basketball Tournament this year.

“We had a good turnout. We have players from last year’s U15 team, a mixed of veteran and newcomers, and some from the MISO league. Overall, I am happy with the turnout in the first tryout and we hope students in private schools can join in the next training session,” said Basketball Association of Northern Marianas Islands vice president Elias Rangamar, who conducted drills for the cagebelles last Saturday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Spotted at the tryouts were former CNMI Women’s National Team members Connie Camacho, Lalaine Pagarao, and Lia Rangamar. Joining them are U15 players Rachel Abrams, Jeralyn and Jeraldyn Castillo, and Kaylani Lebria, and several mainstays of the MHS Lady Dolphins, Kagman Ayuyus, and Saipan Southern High School Lady Rays.

Rangamar led the CNMI team hopefuls to drills, which the BANMI official said were intense, as he hopes to have players who are quick and athletic.

“If you observe our drills, you would see I asked players to dribble, pass, and run hard and quick. These drills should be done in an intense manner if we really wanted to develop their skills and help them keep up with their opponents,” Rangamar said.

Players selected will suit up for the U17 team that will compete in the MBT (west division) Saipan will be hosting in May and in the open squad that will travel to Guam in July for another tournament (west and east division teams). On Saipan, the host will play against Guam, Yap, and Palau. Then in Guam, the CNMI bets will also be pitted against the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.

Rangamar said the second tryout will be held this Saturday at the same time and venue, while the next three weeks of the training session will also include conditioning drills at the Oleai Sports Complex oval.

Meanwhile, BANMI is still looking for coaches who will lead the two CNMI women’s teams in MBT this year. Deadline for submission of application form is set for Jan. 23, while interviews will be conducted at the end of the month. For more information about MBT, tryouts, and coaches application form, contact Rangamar at 234-1775 or via email at eliasrangamar@hotmail.com.