JR Libut, Walker lead individual awardees

FPA Power Builders’ J.R. Libut and Wesley Walker of champion team Rampage led the individual awardees of the recently concluded Island-wide Men’s Bud Light Basketball League.

Libut was hailed MVP of the regular season after leading the entire league in scoring and rebounding with averages of 21.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Walker, meanwhile, had a monster game in the one-game finals against erstwhile undefeated Team Kio after the versatile center had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists en route to winning the finals MVP plum.

FPA Power Builders’ J.R. Libut, left, and Rampage’s Wesley Walker won the regular season MVP and the finals MVP, respectively, of the recently concluded Island-wide Men’s Bud Light Basketball League. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Other players who were bestowed their awards by the organizing Tinian Amateur Basketball Association were Rampage playing coach Leo Pascua (most 3-pointers with 52), Devil Dog Warriors’ Damon Kada (most assists with 80), and the Top 5 scorers Pascua (254 points), Rampage’s Jayron Epity (260 points), Kio’s Robert Reyes (270 points), Devil Dog Warriors’ Jake Montgomery (293 points), and Libut (303 points).

Trophies were also given to pennant champions Kio, best offensive team Devil Dog Warriors, and best defensive team Kio. Of course, Rampage, Kio, and Team CNMI also went home with their championship, runner-up, and third place trophies. Rampage ended Kio’s 14-game winning streak after upsetting them in the finals, 56-51, last Wednesday at the Tinian Youth Center.

The three cagebelles that suited up in the 2021 season—Regina Palacios, Eleina Santos, and Ria Borja—also were given medals by TABA. Ditto for the three volunteer referees—Jimmy Rios, Tristan Senter, and Braden Harvey.

TABA president Christopher SN King also gave plaques of appreciation to Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, MARPAC, the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, and RNV Construction for their sponsorship of the league.

Last but not the least, TASA gave fan Inday Anacita Palmitos Vergara the perfect attendance award.

King also extended his appreciation to TABA officials for running the league despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am so thankful for my TABA officers Principia Monkeya, Thealanie M. Atalig, Isa K. Reyes, Josean “Bear” Alvarez, Anissa M. DLC, Tano SN King II, Christopher SN King Jr. And Pritzel A. Carreon, Dawn Sarmiento, Tristan Senter, Jimmy Rios, Braden Harvey, Antony Gunny, Elder Barrow, and Elder Taylor. This league wouldn’t have been possible without their contributions,” he said.

He also thanked the Tinian Department of Community and Cultural Affairs staff, the U.S. Marines, Kai Lizama, Ailia Dela Cruz, Robin Reyes, Melthon Atalig, and 3K Store for all their support.

The TABA president said he is already looking forward to staging the 2022 edition of the Island-wide Men’s Bud Light Basketball League.

“I will see after all these holidays are done I might start another basketball league. I think this time I will include players 18 years and younger, but it’s not confirmed yet,” said King.