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MCS 1 impresses in season debut
A Mt. Carmel School 1 player takes off for a layup during their game against Agape Christian School 1 in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)
Mt. Carmel School 1 started the season on the right foot after defeating Agape Christian School 1, 63-45, in the boys division game in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League yesterday at Koblerville Gymnasium
Chioni Dela Cruz spearheaded the Knights’ season-debut victory against the Torchbearers after firing a game-high 17 points. Dela Cruz showcased versatility on offense, as he swished three 3-pointers, took advantage of fast break opportunities with his get-away layups, and converted several contested shots.
Backing up Dela Cruz in the Knights’ first game of the season were three of his teammates. Starting point guard Matthew Richardson also finished in double digits with his 11 points, while Keith Santos and Min Soo Park chipped in with 8 markers apiece.
As for Agape 1, the Torchbearers remained in contention after the first half, 25-32, thanks largely to Kobe Yang’s 11 points scoring in first two quarters. The visiting team then fought hard to keep up with Mt. Carmel after the intermission, but the Torchbearers failed to counter the Knights’ 24-point scoring outburst in the third canto.
Yang finished with 17 points on a losing effort, while Peter Wang chipped in 8. Silas Xu and John Chen added 7 points apiece.
In other results, Grace Christian Academy stormed past Agape 2, 63-25, at the latter’s court in Gualo Rai.
The win allowed the Eagles to bounce back from their season-debut loss to Saipan Southern High School last Tuesday, while the defeat was second in as many games for Agape 2.
The Manta Rays also played their second match yesterday and withstood a dogfight against hosts Kagman High School, 51-47. With the close victory, Saipan Southern now has a 2-0 record for the early lead, while the Ayuyus dropped to a 1-1 mark.
Over at Saipan International School’s home court in As Lito, the Geckos outlasted MCS 2, 37-31. SIS matched Kagman’s 1-1 record, while MCS 2 remains winless after two games.
Meanwhile, in the lone girls division match at the Koblerville Gymnasium, MCS edged Agape 24-17.
Games in the high school league will continue today with MCS 1 lacing up against the ACS 2 at the Koblerville facility.
Mt. Carmel School 1 coach Francis San Nicolas gives instructions to his players during a break in their game against Agape Christian School 1 in the CCOPSA caging yesterday at the Koblerville Gymnasium. (Roby N. Pamintuan)
