Richard Sikkel, standing third right, joins a group of paddlers for a photo-op at the conclusion of a local race early this month. Sikkel is the CNMI Chef de Mission to the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Marianas Sports Association has selected Richard Sikkel as Chef de Mission for Team CNMI in the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

As Chef de Mission, Sikkel will have immediate responsibility for Team CNMI at the Games. His principal duties will relate to the welfare of Team CNMI in the Games Village.

Sikkel, a school principal at Brilliant Star School, has been involved in organized sports from a very young age, participating in tennis, judo, soccer, swimming, and wind surfing. He was part of the team that represented the Saipan Outrigger Canoe Club in the 2004 Micro Cup in Palau. He has competed in or helped organize several international outrigger events in Saipan, Guam, Palau, Hong Kong, and Australia. In 2010, he represented the CNMI to the Micronesian Games, as a player/coach for the CNMI outrigger team. He has competed in XTERRA Saipan, Tagaman, and adventure races. As Brilliant Star School’s principal, he is responsible for all interscholastic sports in which the school participates, including swimming, athletics, and soccer.

“Richard brings a wealth of experience to his new position. NMSA is confident that Team CNMI will be in good hands in Vanuatu,” said NMSA president Michael A. White, who will head the CNMI delegation to the Games.

Accompanying White will be key members of the Organizing Committee for the 2021 Pacific Mini Games, which will be hosted by the CNMI. Governor Torres, along with other CNMI government officials, are expected to attend the Games. As the head of government, Torres will receive the Games flag at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games. The flag will be raised again at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Games.

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A Team Tinian member, bottom, goes for a rear-naked choke as he tries to force his foe to yield in one of their sparring sessions at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Tinian facility. (Contributed Photo)

Allen Manglona was among the coaches who helped train Austin John King for his bout against 22-year-old John Mendiola of Luta Top Team in last May’s Rites of Passage 21: Throwdown. Little did Manglona know that would pave the way for the establishment of a mixed martial arts gym on Tinian.

“I was one of the coaches for the fight camp held for Tinian’s young fighter. Austin was the lone competitor from Tinian in that event and he won the fight by first round [technical] knockout,” Manglona told Saipan Tribune. King stopped Mendiola at the 2:25 mark of the opening round.

He said that after the fight and helping King train, some parents approached him early July, asking him to supervise Tinian fighters who are getting ready for ROP 22: Rampage set for Sept. 15 at the Marianas Business Plaza.

“Several of Tinian’s youngsters had interest in competing in ROP 22. They had no MMA coaches and had limited equipment. I saw this as an opportunity to serve my island and teach the youth and community the beautiful art of MMA, so I accepted the challenge and helped put together Team Tinian,’” added Manglona.

He said that Team Tinian, when they began, had no permanent training facility and proper equipment.

“There were no proper MMA facilities or gyms to train in and we would only do our training sessions outdoors, either by the beach or on the grass,” Manglona said. “Training outdoors and the bad weather also limit us on what we can train. It is also unrealistic for it had no boundaries, such as the cage in which these fighters will be competing in.”

Manglona, who now trains over 20 members, added they also started with only a handful of training equipment.

“The team started off with nearly nothing. Equipment wise, we have two pairs of my personal boxing gloves, a pair of focus mitts donated by Tinian’s veteran MMA fighter George Manglona, and a pair of MMA gloves, which belonged to Austin,” the coach said.

But despite all the challenges they encountered, Manglona and his wards persisted, and slowly gained the attention of the Tinian community.

“As the team continued training, we gained more members and support from the community of Tinian. We received donated equipment and gear from friends and families,” said Manglona.

Donated to Team Tinian by various members of the community were a secondhand wrestling mat, headgears, and hand wraps, while Tinian Municipal Council secretary Philip Mendiola-Long gave them brand new MMA gear.

“With the new gear [given by Mendiola-Long], the team can train and practice MMA more efficiently and in a much safer manner,” Manglona said.

The team also found, cleaned, and spruced up an old and abandoned ring that was previously used in boxing matches held on Tinian years ago. Tinian’s Department of Cultural and Community Affairs also granted them permission to use one of their facilities as a training venue.

The Marianas Visitors Authority and other members of the Tinian community then gave them the opportunity to raise funds through beach cleanups and yard work. Some of the money collected will be used for personal competition gear and to pay for their airfare to Saipan for next week’s ROP 22.

“We also received support and assistance for the fighters and their chaperones from Tinian community leaders, like Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas and Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider,” said Manglona.

Team Tinian will have six fighters on ROP 22’s more than 10 undercard bouts with William “Pretty Boy” King facing Trench Tech’s Luis “Two Trick” Litulumar in a kids exhibition kickboxing match and Kimo Adriano taking on Bad Ass Beach Boys’ Andres “The Tanapag Beach Bad Boy” Camacho. Audrien Cruz goes up against George “Game Over” Grover of Zombie MMA, while Austin King will try to test A.J. Barcinas in another fight that will have Team Tinian’s bets trade punches against Luta Top Team. Perry Mundo against L.D. Ogo and Juschery Castro versus John Mendiola are the other two Tinian versus Rota bouts.

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Tinian players battle for the ball during a game at the Tinian Gymnasium, which will undergo renovation this year. (Contributed Photo)

The first step in the renovation of the Tinian Gymnasium has been taken as the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. formally opened the bidding for the project last week.

The project will be funded under NMHC’s Community Development Block Grant program.

A pre-bid conference is set for Sept. 12, Tuesday, at 10am at the Tinian Mayor’s Office’s conference room. All bids for the project must be submitted to the Division of Procurement and Supply not later than 10am on Sept. 28.

Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas said he was pleased and excited that the renovation of the more than 20-year-old facility has finally started through the bidding process.

“The Tinian gym plays a vital role in the health of our island community since its construction in the early 1990s. It is more than a sports facility, it is a stomping ground for our children and a gathering place for our residents as they strive to improve their quality of life,” said San Nicolas.

The Tinian Mayor’s Office, in March last year, submitted a grant proposal to NMHC for the gym’s renovation project. The project received $312,000 from the CDBG program.

The money will be used to update the fire alarm system, replace the broken lights at the parking lot and other termite-ridden fixtures, and repair the restrooms and roof of the entire facility.

“Most of the repairs covered by the CDBG funding are vital for safety reasons. I’m pleased that such an important facility will be getting the care it needs,” said San Nicolas.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to the NMHC board for supporting the project and recognizing the facility’s significance in our community. We, at the Tinian Mayor’s Office look forward to the timely completion of the project and vow to do our part in ensuring its longevity,” he added.

San Nicolas’ office said they plan to take advantage of the CDBG and other grant programs by submitting further application that would improve Tinian’s facilities and other infrastructure.

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Half Gang’s Sunjoon Tenorio, left, challenges the shot of Big B’s’ Aaron Ogumoro during their boys U19 division game in the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Sunjoon Tenorio powered Half Gang to a 13-9 upset over Big B’s in the boys U19 division game in the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Tenorio scored 9 of his squad’s last 10 points to help Half Gang recovered from its 11-16 debut loss to LeAir Ballers during the tournament opener. The Marianas High School student had 5 straight markers in that surge and also drilled Half Gang’s last 4 to stun Big B’s, which came from a 13-11 triumph over the Ol’Aces 2 on Day 1 of the competition.

A.J. Hudkins chipped in 3 points, while Roger Valencia contributed a point. Christian Arceo, Aaron Ogumoro, and Angelo Factor made 3 markers apiece for Big B’s.

Big B’s won its first game in the division, thanks to Ogumoro’s 7 markers against the Ol’Aces 2. Factor and Jelbert Quitugua tallied 3 markers each in the win, while Brandy Onopwiy led the Ol’Aces’ losing cause with his 6 points. Kevin Kabiriel had 5, while E.J. Abejo made 2.

In other U19 results, the Warriors outclassed V-God, 15-6.

All four Warriors players made things happen for their team to ease past V-God. Henry Aguon scored 5 points, Travis Malwelbug added 4, and Rawho Sulap and Kekuni Kainoa registered 3 apiece.

Meanwhile, men’s open division early favorites Ol’Aces topped Pacific Islands Club 2, 20-14.

Dan Barcinas caught fire in the Ol’Aces’ first game last Monday night, drilling 12 points to nearly match the entire output of PIC 2. Preston Basa, Douglas Schmidt, and Jack Lizama are the other members of the powerhouse Ol’Aces and all three also made it to the board.

Paulo Rafols and John Lewis paced PIC 2, tallying 5 points apiece, while Hiram and Raymark Castro added 2 each.

In other men’s open division results, PIC 1 and Dark Horse defeated their respective opponents last Monday.

Dark Horse downed Trilogy, 14-11, thanks to the combined 9 points of Ed Camacho and Sid Quan. Mav and John Santos also played for Dark Horse with the former contributing 3 and the latter chipping in 2 in the win.

Jerome Norita had 4 points for Trilogy, which also has Syl Teregeyo, Alex Standish, and Pete Lizama as members.

Matt Duenas broke into twin digits, scoring 11 points in PIC 1’s 14-10 triumph over Rollers 1. Jack Aranda posted 2 points, while Sean Rabasto had 1. Devin Galloway completes PIC 1’s roster.

Rollers 1 banked on Prince Factor, who registered 7 points in the squad’s losing debut. Warren Ellama and Sam Darag were the other scorers for Rollers 1 with 2 and one. Kanata Omori is also a member of Rollers 1.

In the women’s division, CTSI edged PIC, 5-4.

Mikki Kautz made the go-ahead basket, her lone point in the match, while Dianne Pablo recorded 2 points and Madeleine Alegre and Jasmin Phan had one apiece. Meghan Heron and Stephanie Rochefort scored 2 points each for PIC.

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Tsunami Saipan swimmers pose for a photo before resuming their training session at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool early this week. (Contributed Photo)

Tsunami Saipan Swimming Center head coach Hiro Kimura has high expectations from the club’s members as the 2017-2018 season begins early next month.

Kimura said they have 86 swimmers getting ready for the races and 44 of them are qualified to compete in various tournaments, starting off with the Northern Mariana Islands Swimming Federation Opening Meet on Oct. 7.

“We have strong rookies. A lot of them come to practice every day. As a coach, I guarantee they will surprise many people this season. Of course, they are not yet ready to make CNMI records, but many of our young swimmers have big potential to do so,” Kimura said.

“Everyone worked hard during the summer practices,” the Tsunami Saipan coach added.

Kimura made special mention of four Tsunami Saipan swimmers—Aika Watanabe, Hans Xu, Joseph Ziang and Kian Pajarillaga.

The 10-year-old Pajarillaga debuted for Tsunami Saipan last season and in less than two years time, Kimura has seen significant improvement from the Grace Christian Academy student.

“He has improved a lot and became a swimmer who can almost go to a Guam meet. I have big expectation from him this season,” Kimura said.

As for the 13-year-old Watanabe, the Tsunami Saipan coach is positive that the club’s vice captain will soon enter the CNMI record books.

“Last season, Aika won first place in the International Flipper Race and in the Guam Ocean Swim and Guam Championships. Her target for the new season is to win first place in the girls 13 to 14 age group. I’m sure she can make it because she has greatly improved this summer. Aika trained in Japan this summer and worked harder here, too. She will become a CNMI record holder in the very near future,”

Kimura has the same kind words for the 11-year-pld Xu and 13-year-old Zhang, taking note of the extra work that the two swimmers put into every training session during the summer season.

“We are looking forward to seeing good performances from them in this new season,” Kimura said.

Meanwhile, Tsunami Saipan would like to thank Dolphin Club Saipan for its support to the club.

“We really hope to make a stronger relationship with DCS and join their ocean swim events this season,” Kimura said.

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Organizers and supporters of KONQER Saipan pose for a photo during a press conference for the event yesterday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Be prepared to push yourself to your limits and overcome the challenge of one of the region’s obstacle course races when KONQER Saipan King of the Hill holds its inaugural event this Saturday at the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park in Puerto Rico.

The race starts at 9am at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan beach front.

Organizers are expecting close to 500 joining the inaugural racing event on Saipan. KONQER began in Guam in 2015, was also held for the first time in Koror, Palau in June of this year, and with Saipan’s addition became a three-circuit race.

Race director Kaz Endo, who is also KONQER Sports’ chief executive officer, said obstacle course races are one of the fastest growing sports events in the world and the third leg of their now three-circuit race offers different levels of challenges to each competitor.

“Every obstacle is designed with extreme athletes and weekend warriors in mind. It is made for different sizes and levels. Those who complete the course as an individual can join a team and do it again. Likewise, those who compete in teams can do it individually after,” said Endo in yesterday’s press conference at Fiesta’s executive lounge.

U.S. military personnel and other embassy staff spending their rest and relaxation days here are also expected to join, taking a cue from the 40 marines that competed in the Palau leg of the circuit. The great turnout in the previous races prompted organizers to make the event a three-circuit race in a year.

“We’re doing three events in one year. There’s Palau and Guam, and now we have Saipan. We dream to also have it in other nearby countries like Kona in Hawaii or in Okinawa, Japan. We want to expand KONQER in the Pacific,” said Endo.

“We know that we’re facing a long road ahead of us but we want to keep the momentum. Everybody can do their share and our events bring a lot of people. That’s why, if there are countries out there that want to host KONQER, we encourage them to come and observe the race in one of the three circuits,” he added.

Endo said Enduro, Completion, Business, and Sprints are the four categories of KONQER’s obstacle races with the former the toughest and challenging, drawing a small group of extreme athletes. Completion race is the largest component where majority of participants join since there’s no time involved but only self satisfaction and gaining confidence as you overcome the challenge and finish the obstacle course.

Business is a competitive team category with companies also using it as a team building exercise for their employees, while Sprints is an obstacle course that includes a lot of running and climbing.

“Every course is different but the Sprints category remains the same, which is composed of 15 obstacles,” added Endo, who was joined in the press conference by KONQER president Kelli Wedd, Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan general manager Wendi Herring, Bank of Guam’s Tania David, IT&E’s Melissa Camacho, and Steve Sablan of Saipan Brewing Co.

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A Shirley’s Football Club defender keeps a close eye on a Matansa player during their girls U15 division game in the 2017 NMIFA Spring Youth League at the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Field. Shirley’s will play TanHoldings at the start of the fall season tomorrow. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Shirley’s Football Club will begin its title defense in the girls U15 division tomorrow when it takes on TanHoldings FC in the opening week of the 2017 NMIFA Youth Fall League.

Shirley’s, which won the last five championships in the age group as it swept the 2015 and 2016 tournaments and the spring competition this year, will face TanHoldings in the curtain-raiser at 1pm at the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Field. Completing the triple-header of Week 1 of the fall league are the games between Matansa and Paire at 2:30pm and Southern United and Kanoa at 4pm.

The seven-team girls U15 division will have a round-robin format with the Top 2 finishers automatically moving into the semifinals. The bottom two will be eliminated, while the No. 3 to 6 placers will fight for the last two semis tickets. The defending champion Shirley’s had a 6-1-1 win-draw-loss record last fall season to top the division and was unbeaten last spring with its 6-0-0 mark.

In other games this weekend, boys U17 defending champion MP United will duel Matansa in the 11:35am match at the Hopwood Middle School Field. Two more games are scheduled in the division with Kanoa battling the National Developing Academy at 8:15am, and Tan Holdings squaring off against Paire at 9:55am.

The boys U17 division has a two-round robin format with the team with the best record after 10 games getting the age group crown. MP United won last fall’s championship after edging TanHoldings in a playoff game. The defending champion also defeated TanHoldings in a rubber for the spring crown this year.

In the co-ed U12A division, Kanoa was last year’s fall season winner and the club will have two teams going for the age group title this season. Kanoa-1 will play Matansa in the first match at 2pm at the Hopwood pitch, while Kanoa-2 will meet Paire on the other pitch at the same time. MP United and TanHoldings will also see action in this weekend’s opener.

Over at the Koblerville Elementary School Field, 2016 fall champion TanHoldings will begin its title defense at 1pm when it challenges MP United. In the second game at 2:30pm, it will be Shirley’s vs Kanoa, while in the last match at 4pm, Matansa will battle Paire.

The opening week will also feature matches in the U8, U10, and U12B divisions at the various school pitches on Saipan.

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Blue Babes’ Gillian Villagomez, center, dribbles in between the defense of CTSI’s Madeleine Alegre, left, and Mikki Kautz during their women’s open division game in the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Blue Babes posted mixed results in its pair of games in the women’s open division of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Blue Babes first played against CTSI and won, 6-3. Tawnie Manibusan scored 3 points, while, Quina Flores and Gillian Villagomez had 2 and 1, respectively. Jasmine Phan, Dianne Pablo, and Michelle Kautz each scored a point for CTSI.

Next up for Blue Babes was HiDaze and the latter earned an 11-7 triumph over the former. Mary Kay Alferos and Chevy Alipio made 5 points each to lead HiDaze’s victory, while Manibusan paced Blue Babes with her 3 markers.

In the third match in the division, HiDaze also downed PIC Siheky, 10-4.

Chenille Espinosa tallied 4 points for HiDaze, which drew 3 markers each from Cassandra Camacho and Alipio.

In the men’s open division, Nik Nak pulled off a 15-12 win over Rollers 2.

Mii Tekopua lifted Nik Nak over Rollers 2 after scoring 12 points, while Ben Lisua had 8 for the losing squad.

Other winners in the men’s open division games were Trilogy, Paki 3’s, Dark Horse, Almost, and Ol’Aces.

The Ol’Aces denied Nik Nak back-to-back victories last Wednesday after recording a 14-10 triumph in their duel. Dan Barcinas and Douglas Schmidt fired 7 and 5, respectively, in the Ol’Aces’ second win in as many games. Dennis Moses led Nik Nak with his 5 markers.

Trilogy edged Rollers 1, 12-10, behind the 3 straight points of Jerome Norita. Norita finished with 4 points, the same output Trilogy got from Pete Lizama.

Trilogy missed going 2-for-2 on Day 3 of the tournament after they were beaten by Paki 3’s, 21-16. Leo Galarse sizzled for Paki 3’s after dropping 12 points.

Dark Horse eked out a 15-14 win over Pacific Islands Club 1, thanks to the 4 consecutive points of Edwin Camacho. Camacho took over from Maverick Saures, who had a string of 5 points before the former delivered in the homestretch.

Almost also leaned on the straight baskets (3) of Benwachi Taisacan to slip past PIC 2, 17-4.

Before Taisacan’s heroics, Leroy Rangamar starred for Almost, firing 9 points.

In the U19 division, the Warriors eased past Ballerz, 12-5. Henry Aguon had 6 points for the Warriors.

Mix Breed, on the other hand, labored a 17-13 win over the Warriors to deny the latter their third victory in a row. Coby Santos made 8 points for Mix Breed.

In the two other matches in the boys U19 division, Island3rz edged V-God, 16-15, while the Ol’Aces 2 prevailed over LeAir Ballers, 17-14.

John Romeo Malasarte knocked in the go-ahead basket for Islands3rz, his lone field goal in the closely fought match. Roberto Paragados Jr. top-scored for Islands3rz with his 12 points.

Atan Aiferson and Kelvin Kabiriel combined for 15 points in the Ol’Aces 2’s victory versus LeAir Ballers.

In the boys U16 division, Young Ballers and Baller Bros posted contrasting wins. Young Ballers escaped with a 12-11 triumph over Boonkgang, while Baller Bros dominated D-Squad, 23-10.

The Top 4 finishers in each division after the elimination will advance to the playoffs, which will be played tomorrow, beginning at 9am.

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United States Marine Corps Maj. Timothy Patrick, right, and Gunnery Sgt. Donnie McClester, left, join Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jill Arenovski and coordinator Christine Tadeo for a group photo after discussing the Toys For Tots program. (Jon Perez)

United States Marine Corps Maj. Timothy Patrick and four other Marines will be using tomorrow’s KONQER Saipan King of the Hill to highlight their latest community project, Toys For Tots.

The obstacle course race starts at 9am at Fiesta Resort & Spa and heads toward the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park where various challenges await individuals competing in the Enduro, Completion, Business, and Sprint categories.

Patrick and four other Marines will compete individually in the morning before forming a team for the afternoon race. Organizers allow participants who compete individually to form or join a team and do the entire course again.

Patrick and company are encouraging members of the community to do their share and donate new and unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. They are going to set up a donation box in the venue while Gunnery Sgt. Donnie McClester will be given the chance to explain the project.

Gunnery Sgt. Justin Park, Lance Cpl. Samuel Brusseau, and Community Liaison Officer Uriah Perez joined Patrick and McClester in the cause when they met with Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jill Arenovski yesterday at the SCC office at the Marianas Business Plaza. Patrick said they are teaming up with the SCC and Saipan Young Professionals for the project. The USMC has also thrown its 100 percent support for their participation in KONQER and for the Toys For Tots project.

Patrick was among the 40 Marines that participated in the race in Peleliu and Koror in Palau on June 10 and 11 this year. One of the USMC teams finished second in the Relay Sprint division with a time of 3:14:12, while Patrick won the Solo Sprint category at 3:28:47.

He said KONQER Sports’ race in Palau was special to the USMC because of its historical significance in World War II. Peleliu was the site of Operation Stalemate II where the 1st Marine Division and the U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry Division fought Japanese soldiers to capture an airstrip that strengthened the Allies’ offensive.

“We were invited to join the race and we decided to compete since Peleliu shares a deep history with the Marines. It is the site of one of the important battles of World War II where we needed to change our tactics against Japanese forces,” said Patrick.

“It has an enormous impact for us and the entire unit is excited to hit the obstacle course in Peleliu. A historian joined us and he also competed while at the same time filled us with details of the history of each site as we go along the way,” Patrick said.

He added they are expecting the obstacle course on Saipan is almost the same as the one in Palau.
“Volunteers and others who would monitor the participants are some of the things needed to have an effective race. We’re expecting the same, but we must also be prepared for some surprises. We’re hoping that it would be challenging for us. The tougher, the better,” he added with a smile.

Toys For Tots
McClester said the Toys For Tots program is now on its eighth year in Guam and 70th year in the world. The program encourages communities—business, individuals, and organizations—to do their share in gathering toys for less fortunate kids in time for the holiday season.

“We’re just helping coordinate this on Saipan. We’re going to actively stop the program on Dec. 14 but we’re still going to accept donations for next year. We’re accepting toys for different age groups,” added McClester.

Various non-profit organizations—like Karidat and the Salvation Army—will be the recipients of the toys and they will be tasked to give the gifts to kids.

Patrick said Saipan is the farthest reached by the program.

“Some might wonder why give a toy? Every child deserves a toy during Christmas and the holiday season. You can’t replace the look and the feeling of the children as they unwrap their gift and that makes it more special,” Patrick said.

Arenovski said that they would also coordinate with other local organizations, like the Rotary Club of Saipan and the Soroptimist International Club NMI Chapter about the project. “Everyone can donate freely. So we could reach many kids.”

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Female participants crawl as they tackle one of the obstacle courses in last year’s KONQER Guam. Saipan will get a taste of this challenging and fun event this Saturday. (Konqer Photo)

Obstacle course race is one of the fastest growing sports events in the world with the likes of KONQER Sports seeing a steady rise in the number of participants based on statistics organizers provided.

KONQER Sports chief executive officer and race director Kaz Endo said their obstacle course has different levels that attract both the extreme athletes and the weekend warriors. However, they are also pleased to see that youth participation increased rapidly in their three-year existence, thanks to their decision to wave the registration fees to students and individuals in the U14 age group.

“This is a unique race where even families can do it together. A lot of teens have joined and their participation shot up to 80 percent,” Endo said in last Wednesday’s press conference at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s executive lounge.

“One reason behind it is we opened the event for the said age group for free. A lot of middle school kids are now joining the race. This is good since kids nowadays just want to play with their iPads and other gadgets unlike most of us who grew up in a generation that goes out and play.”

He said that some kids no longer engage in outdoor activities, while people are also getting accustomed to social media interaction, which lacks human contact.

“That’s why KONQER Sports’ manta is ‘wellness through play.’ KONQER started out in Guam in 2015 and was held in Palau this year where we also had a great turnout,” added KONQER Sports president Kelli Wedd.

“We kind of created something different for KONQER where we allow people to have fun and at the same time cater to more extreme athletes. That’s why on Saturday, we’re all set to have an exciting event and have fun.”

KONQER’s statistics, presented by Endo, showed that youth make up 30 percent of their participants, 45 percent are adult males, while families are at 50 percent with adult women accounting for the bulk of racers at 55 percent.

“This is a unique product where families can do it together. Teens are also building up with a lot of middle schools now joining especially fees are free. Women remain our largest segment,” said Endo.

He added that there’s also a steady growth of five percent from college and professional males, while the year-to-year trend also showed a 10 percent growth of families participating, and women has a trend of 20 percent growth.

“There are different levels of challenges for everyone. There’s for super athletes who want to further challenge themselves, and for amateurs who just want to finish the race that builds up their confidence. Some walk away feeling more confident,” said Endo.

Reminders
The race begins at Fiesta at 9am and the course includes a 400-meter swim heading toward the main venue at the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park in Puerto Rico. Large signs and volunteers will also direct competitors where the next portion of the obstacle course would be.

Participants are advised to prepare themselves by wearing non-slip shoes and having their own gloves. They are also responsible for other gears to be used in the race.

Organizers are encouraging people to watch the race since it is free of charge, while entertainment will also be provided in the duration of the event. Bleachers would be set up, but spectators are advised to bring their own beach chairs. Outside food are not allowed to properly manage the trash at the newly built park.

Kids in the U10 age group, meanwhile, will have a chance to experience obstacle racing with their own kiddie KONQER Land area.

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Fab4’s Eleina Santos pulls up for a shot against HiDaze’s Chevy Kate Alipio during their title game in the women’s open division of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Fab4 withstood HiDaze’s late rally to pull off a 10-8 victory in the women’s division finals of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Sisters Eleina and Annalei Santos delivered the points for Fab4 in the homestretch to foil HiDaze’s comeback bid and rule the four-team field.

Fab4 once enjoyed a 7-2 advantage behind the 6 straight markers of Eleina, but was threatened in the last two of the 10-minute title match when Chevy Kate Alipio and Mark Kay Alferos teamed up in bringing HiDaze back into contention. Fab 4 was stuck to 7 points, while a layup from Alferos off Alipio’s feed moved HiDaze within one, 7-6.

Eleina then gave Fab4 more breathing room, 8-6, when she drove baseline and slipped past Alipio before pulling off for a banked shot against the outstretch arms of the much smaller Alferos. However, HiDaze refused to give up with Alferos drilling her third straight basket to close the gap anew, 7-8.

A free throw from Eleina put Fab4’s advantage back to a deuce, but HiDaze was still persistent and this time Alipio was the one who knocked in the shot to keep her team’s title hopes alive, down to the last 20 seconds of the finals.

Just behind by one, HiDaze focused its defense on the streaking Eleina in Fab4’s next offensive play after Alipio missed on a potential game-tying free throw. Eleina then drew HiDaze’s defense before dropping the ball to her sister Annalei in the paint. Annalei, who earlier figured in a shoving incident with HiDaze’s Cassandra Camacho, barreled her way through the defense of the latter, but overshot her mark. Fortunately, the burly Annalei got the offensive rebound, went up for a banked shot, and this time drilled the insurance, 3 seconds left in the game.

Now down by 2, HiDaze was pressured to take a shot from beyond the arc to tie the match. However, HiDaze failed to pull up for one, as Alferos’ pass to Alipio was a bit strong and hit the latter’s knee. Alipio scrambled to recover the ball and lost precious seconds in doing so, allowing Fab4 to keep the close win and the title in the Saipan leg of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games qualifier.

Despite the loss, HiDaze will join Fab4 in the finale of the Hoopfest Marianas where finalists in the Tinian and Rota legs will also play for the right to represent the CNMI to the Mini Games in Vanuatu this December. HiDaze advanced to the division finals after slipping past CTSI in the morning game last Saturday, 7-6. Fab4, which was unbeaten in the tournament, had a free pass to the title match after winning via forfeit against Blue Babes.

Meanwhile, results in the boys U16 and U19 divisions and the men’s open categories will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Tuesday edition.

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A BTG player spikes the ball, while Holy Set’s Jeff Riman attempts to block it during a tournament last May at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The inaugural Danny Borlain’s Indoor Volleyball Classic will kick off tomorrow, starting at 6:30pm at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The tournament will have two divisions—men’s and women’s—and will be held from Sept. 12 to 29.

Each team can field a minimum of eight players and a maximum of 10. The final submission of team rosters is on opening day and teams must settle their registration fees ($70 for 10 players/$50 for eight ) before they are allowed to play.

Saipan Volleyball is hosting the tournament and organizers are expecting at least eight teams in each division. Under-18 players are required to secure a signature from their parent or legal guardian before they can play in the tournament.

This is the second straight tournament organized by Saipan Volleyball after the group held a 4-person coed beach volleyball competition last month. The first one was a fundraising contest held at Sandy Beach to prepare for the indoor volleyball event. An indoor volleyball tournament was held last May, a fundraiser for the CNMI team’s participation in the Micronesian Baseball Classic in Guam this year.

BTG and All About That Ace ruled the men’s and women’s divisions in the 2017 MBC Fundraising Volleyball Tournament. Both teams were undefeated in the tournament to claim the crowns in their respective divisions.

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Two male participants in last Saturday’s KONQER Saipan King of the Hill pull up their teammate. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Teamwork and perseverance were in full display in last Saturday’s KONQER Saipan King of the Hill as hundreds completed the obstacle course race made even tougher by the rainy weather.

Don Cabrera finished the course ahead of his friends, but instead of leaving the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park to clean up as he was covered with mud, he stayed and helped them survive the obstacles. He shouted instructions to his friends having difficulty tackling the monkey bars and gave others a lift to climb a couple of walls.

“We came here together, we will finish together. Once I am done, I knew I could show them how to get through the obstacle the much easier way. I don’t want to leave them behind, so I came back and helped them,” said Cabrera.

One of Cabrera’s teammates did the same thing to not one, but two other participants, letting them climb the wall first. A female participant stepped on his back and then shoulder to go up in the last wall along the course, while the former’s companion was next, getting a lift from the former’s hands.

Over at the 15-foot wall, Rommel Buenaflor and his fellow Triathlon Association of the CNMI members formed a human ladder to help children and other young participants reach the top. They also teamed up in holding the back of their not so young member as he tackled the cross bar.

“Though we were in the race, we were still concern of our and others’ safety, especially the children, so we helped them out. They tend to be careless because they are so excited, so we watched out for them. As for our TRAC members, we want to make sure everybody completes the race, so we’re really working together in every obstacle,” Buenaflor said.

“When you know your teammates and other participants are there to back you up and help you go through the obstacle, you’re not afraid to fall and commit mistakes,” said the sexagenarian Dan Calvo.

Tania Tan, one of the more than 30 Saipan International School students who braved KONQER Saipan, also had a rough time completing most of the intimidating obstacles in her first try, but she soldiered on and kept trying until she reached the finish line.

“Some of the courses did in fact intimidate me, such as the 15-foot wall and the ‘V’ shaped monkey bars. As the weather was not at its best as well, the obstacle course was very slippery, muddy, and wet making it even more difficult to accomplish. Our team was able to survive through it with all the support we gave each other and the cheering from the crowd. Those aspects motivated us to keep going and trying to complete the course,” the SIS junior said, adding that competing in KONQER Saipan also taught her life lessons.

“No matter how hard it may get at times, if one perseveres and believes that she can do it, she will be able to accomplish her goals. Our whole team gave as much support throughout the course. We always encouraged each another and were optimistic about overcoming the obstacles and achieving them,” Tan said.

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Saturday’s weather made it more challenging for participants of the inaugural KONQER Saipan King of the Hill to brave the elements and overcome the punishing obstacle course layout.

In the end, two United States Marine Corps members and a Saipan resident swept past their competitors and obliterated the course as they claimed the Top 3 in the Enduro division of the race held at the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park in Puerto Rico.

Completion, Sprints, and Business used by companies or employers for team building exercises for their employees—were the other categories in the event where close to 500 were able to finish the taxing race.

USMC Maj. Timothy Patrick was the fastest in taming the 2.16-kilometer course—that also had a 32-meter incline—with an unofficial time of 37:08, followed by Gunnery Sgt. Justin Park’s 38:36. Saipan resident Joel Phair came in third at 38:53.

Patrick praised the organizers with the course layout and last Saturday’s rainy weather became an additional challenge to all. “The course on Saipan was fantastic. I can’t think of a better way to see some of this beautiful island.”

“The two swim portions were impacted by the windy weather producing a counter current and making the course a little more challenging. Of course, the obstacles were a work of art designed by a mad genius. They are inherently challenging, add water and mud and they become more difficult,” Patrick added.

This was Patrick’s second win after also topping the two-day race in Palau—Peleliu and Koror. He is now looking forward to the Guam leg of the three-circuit race, which is set for Oct. 15 at the Gov. Flores Memorial Park in Tumon Bay. Patrick won the Palau Solo Sprint division with a time of 3:38:47, while Park was ninth at 5:18:27. The Leatherbacks, a USMC team, finished second in the Relay Sprint (3:14:12), also in Palau.

Meanwhile, the Marianas Outrigger Club, which used the race in preparing for their three title defense in next month’s Micronesian Cup in Guam, ruled the Business League with a time of 50:10, while Gold’s Gym came in at second (1:01:22) and Tao Tao Bud 670 placed third (1:02:56).

The race began at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan and participants had to overcome the run-swim-run-swim legs before heading toward Puerto Rico for the main obstacle’s layout at the Gov. Inos Peace Park, which has a height of 80 feet.

From the final swim portion, a few hundred meters from the sea wall, competitors made their way to the main obstacle course entrance and ran all the way to the top. Tires were also scattered on the racecourse as they made their way atop the Peace Park.

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A Ballers Bros player, left, dribbles past a BoonkGang defender during their title game in the boys U16 division of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Twelve teams made the grade for the final stage of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 after the Saipan leg of the inaugural competition concluded last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the boys U16 division, the qualifiers were Ballers Bros and BoonkGang, while Big B’s, Islander3rz, Warriors, and V-God earned the spots in the boys U19 age groups. Men’s open divisions’ Paki 3’s, Almost, Ol’Aces, and Niknak and women’s field’s Fab4 and HiDaze completed the roster of teams heading to the final leg, which will be held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Civic Center Court in Susupe. The Saipan qualifiers will be joined by the winners of the Tinian and Rota competitions. Tinian had its tournament last Sunday, while Rota’s event will be held on Sept. 22 and 23.

Ballers Bros and BoonkGang moved into the final stage of the Hoopfest Marianas after advancing to the division title game last Saturday morning. Ballers Bros took the first finals berth following an 18-12 victory over D-Squad. Khristian Itaas powered Ballers Bros past D-Squad after scoring 12 points in the semis game. Stephen Bartolo added 4 points, while Drew Bayot chipped in 2. Luis Claridadas paced D-Squad with his 10 markers, while Jacody Lizama tallied the 2 other points for the losing team.

BoonkGang followed Ballers Bros to the finals after edging Young Ballers in the second semis tiff, 16-14.

Christian Bravo and Paulo Cadag teamed up in lifting BoonkGang to the victory. Cadag registered 8 points, while Bravo logged 3 of the squad’s last 4 markers and finished with 6 points. Adonis Favor also played for the BoonkGang and contributed 2 points in the team’s semis victory.

The BoonkGang-Ballers Bros title game was played last Saturday afternoon, but results of the finals were unavailable at press time.

In the men’s open division, Paki 3, Almost, the Ol’Aces, and Niknak earned tickets to the final round after surviving the quarterfinals of the 11-team field.

Almost nosed out Dark Horse in their Round of 8 tiff, 11-10. Derrick Rangamar paced Almost with his 5 points, while Ben Taisacan, Leroy Rangamar, and Carl Aldan tallied 2 markers each. Maverick Saures had 7 points for the eliminated Dark Horse.

Paki 3’s duplicated Almost’s semis stint following a 14-6 win over Rollers 2. Peter Camacho dropped 6 points to lead Paki 3’s triumph, while Vincent Taitano and Trevor Ogumoro made 4 each. Ben Lisua had 4 points to lead Rollers 2.

The Ol’Aces gained the third semis ticket in the men’s open division after routing Trilogy, 21-10. Dan Barcinas was on target against Trilogy, sizzling for 11 points, while Preston Basa backed him up, recording 8. Douglas Schmidt completes the Ol’Aces roster and scored the squad’s 2 other markers. Pete Lizama registered 5 points for Trilogy.

The Ol’Aces went on to advance to the finals after beating Niknak in the semis and the latter automatically took the division title as Paki 3 could not play in the championship game with two of its players injured.

In other results, the Warriors, V-God, Island3rz, and Big B’s marched into the final stage of the boys U19 division after eliminating their respective quarterfinal opponents.

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KONQER Sports organizers sort of welcomed Saturday’s rainy weather, as it became an added challenge that participants must hurdle to complete the inaugural KONQER Saipan King of the Hill.

Intermittent rain, caused by Tropical Storm Talim, on race day delayed the start and had KONQER Sports officials executing last minute changes for the safety of the participants.

“Of course, the weather caused some havoc for us, but we had a Plan B and executed that to the best we could with little time,” KONQER Sports chief executive officer and race director Kaz Endo told Saipan Tribune.

“This event smashed all my expectations for a first event. I look forward to delivering an even bigger and better event for next year. We’ll also beef up our volunteer team knowledge by 100 percent more to keep the course smoother,” added Endo.

KONQER Sports president Kelli Wedd said the Saipan leg of their three-circuit race was most definitely to remember. “I’d say with the rain winds, and mud, it was an event that we won’t forget.”

“We battled some rain, wind, and delays, but in the end, I think that added to the sense of accomplishment for our KONQER Brigade. Plus, the mud always made it more fun,” added Wedd.

“Seeing people cheer on the Enduro participants as they braved the course solo, watching teams helping their teammates complete every obstacle, and seeing the kids and families having a blast on the course gave us such a great feeling,” said Wedd.

She added that they will improve areas of the race that they see needs to be enhanced.

“With every event, there are always ways to improve for the next one. We will look at ways to improve. [Like] our overall staffing, as well as possibly looking to change the event’s day schedule to maximize the experience for both participants and spectators. The next KONQER Saipan will be even bigger and better,” she added.

KONQER organizers postponed the entire awards ceremony last Saturday due to the heavy downpour . The ceremony will be held tonight at Fiesta Resort & Spa-Saipan’s Chambre Bar from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

They had already awarded the Enduro winners last Saturday with United States Marine Corps Maj. Timothy Patrick claiming top honors with a time of 37:08, followed by USMC Gunnery Sgt. Justin Park (38:36), and Joel Phair (38:56).

Patrick, who won his second KONQER event after ruling the Palau race in June, said he was just pleased to be part of KONQER Sports.

“I’m just happy to be a part of a good cause. KONQER’s theme of ‘wellness through play’ is a philosophy that I fully support. I couldn’t think of a better mantra for today’s parents and youth,” he said.

Terenc Kaho Leung (45:12), Robby Glass (48:44), Paul Plunkett (49:10), Joey Tudela (51:02), Ryan Siddell (55:12), Jonathan Wilberscheid (58:28), and Marjorie Daria (59:11) are in the Top 10 finishers of the Enduro division.

The Top 10 teams will be recognized tonight with the Marianas Outrigger Club (50:10), Gold’s Gym (1:01:22), and Tao Tao Bud 670 (1:02:56) finishing 1-2-3, and the Saipan Fire Department (1:10:15), Kanoa Krushers (1:10:41), Saipan Brewing Co. Beer Brigade (1:11:12), Hyatt (1:13:12), DFS (1:17:10), Pacific Trading Co. Mountain Dew (1:17:25), and Pacific Islands Club-Saipan (1:18:51) completing the list.

D.R. Safety (1:19:33), IT&E (1:22:11), Kimason (1:24:21), Bank of Guam Glow Worms (1:28:42), Fiesta Rockers (1:33:15), Marianas Health (1:34:12), MV Zorrie Warriors (1:36:10), and Shell & CCA KONQER Cancer (1:40:15) were the other competing teams.

Endo said the Top 3 teams will receive trophies, while the next seven will be given certificates and other prizes donated by local businesses on Saipan.

“These teams represented only the timed or competitive categories. The Completion category yielded over a dozen teams with various numbers of participants. All in all, 497 participated in the inaugural event,” added Endo.

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MP United FC’s Eun Syu Hahn, lef, deflects the ball hit by Matansa’s Joshua De Leon, while the former’s teammate Clayton Izuka looks on during the second half of their boys U17 division game in the 2017 NMIFA Fall Youth League last Saturday at the Hopwood Middle School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Reigning champions MP United Football Club and Shirley’s FC started their respective title defense bids in the 2017 NMIFA Fall Youth League by easing past their opponents last Saturday.

MP United, which won the boys U17 division crown last fall after beating TanHoldings in a shootout (4-3) during their rubber match, was pitted against Matansa in its first game this season and cruised to a 4-1 triumph at the Hopwood Middle School Field.

Skyler Poon knocked in a pair of goals for the defending champion, which is gunning for its fourth straight title in the division. Edwin Kim and the club’s new member Anthony Fruit contributed one goal each.

Fruit scored his first goal in an MP United uniform as he found the back of the net right in the third minute of the match. Kim then made it a 2-0 halftime edge for MP United after lighting up the board in the 13th minute.

At the resumption of the match, Poon drilled his two goals in a span of just two minutes with his first one coming in the 62nd minute and the last in the 64th. Matansa averted a shutout loss, thanks to Iverson Santos’ shot in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, Shirley’s FC posted a lopsided 9-0 win over TanHoldings FC in the opening game in the girls U15 division at the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Field.

Shirley’s, which ruled its division in the last five seasons, blew the game wide open in the second half after firing seven goals.

Katrina Costales starred in the defending champion’s crushing of TanHoldings after tallying four goals. She made three in the second half to lead Shirley’s breakaway. Costales’s first goal was recorded in the 14th minute, while the last three were logged in the 39th, 58th, and 64th.

Therize Millare and Valeria Myers chipped in two apiece, while Catherine Magat earned one. Millare drew first blood for Shirley’s with her conversion in the second minute, while her last came in the 62nd. Myers’ goals were both registered in the second half—53rd and 61st minute—while Magat made it to the board in the 47th.

In other results in the opening week of the youth league, TanHoldings got a free win in the boys U17 division, while National Development Academy nipped Kanoa, 3-2.

Ryan Relucio handed NDA, which made up of the CNMI Women’s National Team pool members and a couple of boys U18 players, the go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute. Relucio, who is part of the Teen Ayuyus that will be competing in the AFC U19 Championship 2018 Qualifiers next month, also scored NDA’s first goal (61st minute) to spark the squad’s comeback bid.

NDA faced a 0-2 deficit at the break after siblings Jim and Ian Maniago lit up the board for Kanoa in the 14th and 45th minute, respectively. Ten minutes after Relucio moved NDA within one, Guinevere Borja knocked in the equalizer for NDA before the former completed the squad’s recovery two minutes later and stole the victory from Kanoa.

While NDA labored for the victory in its season opener last weekend, TanHoldings made it to the win column without a sweat after a no-show from Paire Football Club in the second game in the division.

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The Naked Fish Ridin’Darrty and the Jonny’s Serial Killaz claimed their division crowns in the Saipan Electronic Darts Association-Bud Light league after last week’s matches.

The Ridin’Darrty topped the A division with a league best 225-132 record, while 6JMS-sponsored teams 101 Proofers (209-148) and Dragon Masters (204-148) ended up at second and third place, respectively.

The Ridin’Darrty secured the No. 1 ranking after a 12-5 win over the Franken Brau Drunken Warriors last week. In the other matches, the Masters won by default against the Mechanik’s, while the Proofers downed the Predators, 11-6, and the Mafia dispatched the Gunners, 10-7.

The Darrty enter the Bud Light Cup as the top seeded team against the 101 Proofers. The Masters will face Mafia, while the Predators will have a bye and would take on the winner of the Drunken Warriors-Gunners match in the next round.

The Serial Killaz duplicated the Darrty’s feat in the Thursday Flame Tree B division after beating Jonny’s S.O.L., 9-6, to end up with a 209-106 record. They will meet runner-up Chow Time Drillers (193-122) in the first round of the Bud Light Cup tomorrow.

Third place Naked Fish Ridin’Darrty (181-134) will take on the S.O.L., while the Naked Fish Na’Gupu battles the Jonny’s Real Deal, and the Naked Fish Dartaholiks clashes with sister squad DNA Jump It with the winners advancing to the semis on Sept. 21. The rest of last week’s results are as follows:

Masters
Mafia 12, Nakayoshi 5
Pythons 9, Calamity Fun 8

Ladies
Exquisites 10, Hotmess 5
Momshies 9, Bull-It II 6

Chichirika C
Knights 12, Scorpions 3
Flukers 9, Bull-It 6
Bulls Hitters 8, Hut Shot 7

Kingfisher C
Parakeyu 12, Dart Vaders 3
Hit’em Up 10, Re-Darts 5
Ridin’Darrty C 9, Sunsports 6

Thursday Fanihi B
Dart Crafters 11, Bandits 4
Shaka 11, Strikers II 4
Mafia II 8, 80 Proofers 7

Thursday Flame Tree B
Dartaholiks 9, Jump It 6
Ridin’Darrty 9, Real Deal 6
Drillers 8, Na’Gupu 7

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Ballers Bros’ Khristian Itaas drives against two BoonkGang defenders during their title game in the boys U16 division of the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

V-God and Ballers Bros took the championships in their respective divisions in the Saipan leg of the 3×3 Hoopfest Marianas 2017 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

V-God secured the boys U19 title after dominating Big B’s in the finals, 21-14, while Ballers Bros clinched the boys U16 crown following a 13-9 triumph over BoonkGang.

Jeffrey Castro powered V-God to the championship victory after drilling a game-high 14 points. Dean Blake and Franco Bondoc joined the V-God point guard on the winning team with the former chipping in 4 markers and the latter adding 3. Bondoc scored V-God’s first 3 points, while Castro took over, nailing the squad’s next 9 markers. Blake also had a string of 3 points before Castro again stepped up and closed out for V-God.

Chris Arceo paced Big B’s with his 8 points, while Jelbert Quitugua and Aaron Ogumoro posted 4 and 2, respectively.

Ogumoro’s production in the title match was a far cry from his 11 markers in the semifinals where he lifted Big B’s to a 21-14 win over Islanders. Angelo Factor helped Ogumoro in bringing Big B’s to the championship game after adding 8 points, while Arceo finished with 2 markers. Rafael Ordonio and Ronald Bernardo recorded 6 points apiece for the Islanders.

In the other semis pairing, V-God pulled off a close win against the Warriors, 14-12. Castro also played a key role in their Final Four victory, as he scored V-God’s last 6 points to end up with a game-high 9 markers. Bondoc registered 3, while Blake made 2. Kekuni Kainoa had 6 points on a losing effort for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, in the boys U16 finals, Khristian Itaas posted 6 points in Ballers Bros’ victory over BoonkGang.

Itaas also drew enough support from teammates Anthony Lajara and Drew Bayot, who recorded 4 and 3 points, respectively, in the title game.

Paulo Cadag had 5 points for the runner-up BoonkGang, while Christian Bravo added 3, and Adonis Favor logged a point.

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