DMS, HMS dominate boys hoops

Hopwood Middle School’s John Lawrence Campangpangan goes up for a shot during their game against Grace Christian Academy last Wednesday in the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Moddle School Basketball League 2022-2023 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.(LEIGH GASES)

DanDan Middle School and Hopwood Middle School dominated their opponents in the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Middle School Basketball League 2022-2023. 

The Tottots won a lopsided 58-19 contest against the Tanapag Middle School Tatagas, while the Hilitais trounced the Grace Christian Academy Eagles, 34-9 last Wednesday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

DMS has maintained their unbeaten record this season, defeating all opponents in their path for eight wins in as many games.

The Tottots were in control throughout the game—pounding on the Tatagas defensively and stacking up points from every angle.

By the end of the first half, DMS’ Matua Fejeran scored 6 points of his own, while the passing game and teamwork was a major factor in score contribution. Nine other Tottots made it to teh scoreboard and by the half game buzzer, they had put up 24 points. 

Meanwhile, the Tatagas had a hard time breaking through the Tototts’ defense and struggled to put up 11 points in the first half.

The second half was a scoring frenzy for the Tottots with Fejeran, Edward Manibusan, and Louis Rectitud taking charge and taking turns at the basket.

Everyone got a piece of the action as they made at least 2 points each. Fejeran and Manibusan were the leading scorers with 10 each, while Rectitud had 8 markers.

TMS’ Collin Maratita scored the most with 9 markers. Teammates Jeremiah Yokota shot 6, and Anthon Tudela contributed 5.

In the Hilitais-Eagles game, the Hilitais stuck it to the Eagles and came out on top.

The Eagles could not catch a break as they have not won a game this season, but they still played with heart and tried their best.

The Hilitais just had an overpowering defense so the Eagles could not follow through with their attempts at the basket. 

Speedy plays by the Hilitais within the paint allowed them to pull away further into the lead by the second half. 

Leon Galarse led the Hilitais with his 14 markers, while Chris Esdrelon had 6 of his own.

The Eagles’ Blaze Sablan scored 4 points, Austin Yumul sank a 3-pointer, and Manuel Magboo scored 2, while Hans Ordas threw in a free throw.

In other results that day, ChaCha Ocean View Middle School edged Saipan Community School, 31-26; and Saipan International School defeated Agape Christian School, 44-34.

In the junior varsity games, FMS defeated DMS 20-14, and HMS slayed Mount Carmel School, 32-14.

As of Wednesday in the standings, DMS leads with their eight wins; second is SIS with 8-1; third is FMS with 6-2; ACS has 1-3; MCS is at an even 4-4; COVMS and SCS are at 3-5; HMS has a 3-6 record; TMS is 1-7; and GCA is down with nine losses.

Today is the last slate of regular season games with FMS taking on DMS and COVMS versus SCS. 

The double-elimination tourney is set to start on Thursday, May 11, at 4:45pm, then on Friday also at the same time. On Saturday, May 13, is the continuation of the tourney at 8:30am with the championship round at 12pm.

DMS 58 –  Fejeran 10, Manibusan 10, Tomei, Rectitud 4, Danis 4, Palacios 3, Tibayan 2, Hornejas 2, Cruz, 2, Agulto 2.
TMS 19 – Maratita 9, Yokota 6, Tudela 5.
Scoring by halves: 24-11, 58-19.

HMS 34 – Garcia 2, Esdrelon 6, Galarse 14, Tabhan 4, Champangpangan 4, Enriquez 2.
GCA 9 – Sablan 4, Yumul 3, Magboo 2, Ordas 1.
Scoring by halves: 13-3, 34-9.