Diaz impressed with rookie-laden Rollers

NMI Rollers players, officials, and supporters pose for a photo at the conclusion of the 2017 Thanksgiving Hoop Fest held in Guam last month. (Contributed Photo)

The rookie-laden NMI Rollers fought with a heart of a veteran.

This was how Rollers coach Joe Diaz described his U16 and U18 teams after an impressive showing in last month’s 2017 Thanksgiving Hoop Fest in Guam.

The Rollers’ went home with the second place trophy in the U16 division contest, while its U18 squad placed third in the nine-day tournament held at the Tamuning Gym.

The U16 Rollers earned 2-1 record in the elimination round, with its only loss coming from Guam’s Island Chiefs II, 58-29. Diaz’s wards then escaped with a 35-33 win over Tinian to earn a finals berth. The NMI Rollers eventually lost to the Island Chiefs in the title match, 50-31.

In the U18 division, the NMI Rollers bowed to a squad from Guam and Tinian, while the former’s lone victory was against another squad from the hosts.

“There are only two veteran players in our U16 team and three in our U18 squad. Still, they did a good job against Guam,” said Diaz, who had co-captains Aaron Ogumoro and Christian Arceo, and Angelo Factor as the only veterans on the U18 team.

Chioni Dela Cruz and John Paul Cruz were the only experienced players on the Rollers’ U16 squad, while the rest were newcomers. Joaquin Agulto, Richard Enrico Ballerares, Diego Elnei Cabrera Jr., Dillan Joaquin Cruz, Nyrel Eugenio, Nehemiah Fernandez, Andrew James Hudkins, Hanferney Kapwich, Devon Pangelinan, Vincent Christopher Tudela, Roger Keith Valencia, Everett Indalecio, and Frederick John Garon were the other players who suited up for the NMI Roller’s U16 team.

In the U18, the squad also had Jeremy Agulto, Joey Ken Cruz Jr., Patrick Duenas Jr., Kyle Fabia, Jay Johnny Jr., Jelbert Quitugua, and Enrique Joven Rabauliman.

Diaz said they have to work on some aspects of their game to improve their skills and play.

“One of the things that we need to improve is how to box out our opponents. We need to work on how to go up against taller teams. Guam teams have taller players and we need to learn how to get rebounds against taller teams,” added Diaz.

The NMI Rollers players are back on training, holding practices every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7:30pm, and Saturdays from 3pm to 6pm at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

Meanwhile, Diaz would like to thank Pacific Amusement, Hertz, Transcend Solution, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and First Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Reps. Angel Demapan, Don Barcinas, Joe Itibus, Ed Villagomez, Frank Aguon, B.J. Attao, Ed Propst, Ivan Blaco, Larry Deleon Guerrero, Vinnie Sablan, Frank Dela Cruz, and John Paul Sablan, Senate President Arnold Palacios, and Sens. Justo Quitugua and Sixto Igisomar for their support to the NMI Rollers’ trip to Guam.