Sonics to compete in 5-nation tourney

The 670 Sonics’ R.J. Paragados takes off for a layup against a Warriors defender during their game in the Diaz youth caging last July at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

A big tournament in the Philippines awaits the 670 Sonics Basketball Club in the first quarter of 2018.

Omar Ajoste, one of the Sonics coaches, told Saipan Tribune that the club will be invited to participate in the “19U Boys Basketball Challenge” organized by Pinoy Youth Dreamers founder and director Rhuel “Beaujing” Acot.

“We are in contact with coach Acot who was Jericho Cruz’s first coach in the Philippines at Rizal Technological University. We are waiting for coach Acot’s invitation letter for the details of the ‘19U Boys Basketball Challenge’ that will happen March 2018. We plan to send two teams to this tournament,” Omar said.

The competition will feature teams from the Philippines, Guam, Canada, and Los Angeles, according to Ajoste.

Besides the event in the Philippines, the 670 Sonics are also planning to join a tournament in Guam and they are still waiting for more details from organizers. The club will form a team from the nearly 50 players in its pool.

Right now, the 670 Sonics has more than 10 returning and new players in the U16 age group and they practice every Tuesday and Thursday at the San Antonio Middle School court from 4pm to 6pm. For the U19 division, the 670 Sonics has more than 25 new and familiar faces and they also train every Tuesdays and Thursdays at the San Antonio court from 4:45pm to 7pm. On Saturdays, both groups have beach workouts for strength and conditioning. 670 Sonics players come from the various villages on Saipan and they also participate in the club’s community service programs, such as the beach cleanups under Marianas Visitors Authority’s Beautify My Marianas.

Meanwhile, the 670 Sonics headed by its president Francis Mendiola and head coach Jesse Tudela hosted an appreciation lunch for their players and supporters last Saturday at Laly Beach 4 in Chalan Kanoa. The club also held some games at the event with Jude Tengco, John Caruana, and Joshua Chavez winning the free throw, 3-point, and halfcourt shot contests, respectively, and Sean Licop, Raven Francisco, Melvin Deocares, and Jaymark De Guzman ruling the 3×3 games.

“We want to thank our sponsors and committed members behind the scenes for making our youth basketball club a success this year. Thank you to first lady Diann Tudela Torres, Reps. Angel Demapan, Vinnie Sablan, Ed Villagomez, Ed Propst, and Janet Maratita, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, PHI Pharmacy’s Bruce Cohen, 670 Sonics officers, board members, and coaches, and the Marianas Visitors Authority,” Omar said.