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Diaz caging opens 2017 season on March 15
Rollers’ Jethro Cruz pulls up for a shot against two Ol’Aces defenders during a game in the boys U18 division of the Diaz caging last year at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
More than 20 teams will be seeing action in the 2017 Francisco M. Diaz Memorial Youth League that will kick off on March 15 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The boys U18 division drew the most squads (10) in the second edition of the youth league. Leading the list are defending champion Ol’Aces, who downed the Kagman Rizers in last year’s title match, 53-44. Completing the field are the 670 Sonics, 670 G-Sonics, NMI Rollers, Kagman Rollers, Natibu Warriors, Northside Wolves, Knights, Ol’Aces II, and Agape Christian School.
In the boys U15 age group, the 670 Sonics will be back to defend their title against the Ol’Aces Elite, Ol’Aces Xtreme, NMI Rollers, Dandan Middle School, and Knights. The 670 Sonics took the division championship in the inaugural Diaz caging after romping past the Ol’Aces in last season’s finale, 92-79.
In the women’s division, there are only four teams with the Lady Knights, IT&E, 670 Sonics, and the Ol’Aces battling for the crown.
Games in the U18 division will take place from Monday to Friday with two matches set for every playing day. The boys U15 division will only play on Saturday and three games are scheduled every weekend with the first one set at 9am, and the last two at 9:30am and 12pm. Game schedule for the women’s division has yet to be announced.
However, for the opening day, three matches are set and teams must be at the Ada Gym for the 5:30pm ceremony by 4:30pm. After the opening rites, two teams in the boys U15 division will play first, while the women’s division match is next at 6:45pm. The 8pm schedule is for the boys U18 game.
A mandatory meeting for coaches or representatives of participating teams is set for March 13 at 6pm at the conference room of the Ada Gym. Tournament fees and other requirements must be turned in at the meeting.
League coordinator Elias Rangamar of the organizing Mariana Islands Basketball Federation will also conduct a referee and table official crash course a few days before the competition opens.
