Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Thursday, February 07, 2013

4 teams eye stint in Shirley's caging

Defending champion DFS Galleria is among the four teams that initially expressed interest in competing in the 4th Shirley's Coffee Shop Basketball League.

Joining DFS on the list is Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Docomo Pacific, and the host's team, according to league coordinator Irish Pagarao.

The Pete Iguel-led DFS won the 2011 championship in the Shirley's league after routing PSS/McGraw-Hill in the winner-take-all finale, 92-63, at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. The defending champion also racked up the most awards in the competition with Iguel getting the Finals MVP plum, Gabriel White taking the Best Coach Plum, and Jack Lizama making it to the Mythical Five.

Meanwhile, the opening of the fourth season of the Shirley's caging has been moved from March 18 to April 15 to give teams more time to prepare and get their uniforms ready.

Organizers are offering a great package for participating squads that will meet the payment requirement for the league. Teams can avail of the entry and uniform fee package for only $750. The complete uniform will be available for a 14-player roster squad, but only the first eight teams to complete the payment will be entertained, as only eight colors are available. Each uniform set costs only $15.50 and is made from high-quality materials, according to Pagarao. For teams that will get their uniform elsewhere, they just need to pay the $500 entrance fee. Logos, colors, and other details about the uniform must be forwarded to Pagarao by Feb. 20.

A no jersey, no play rule will strictly be enforced in the league, while teams are allowed to recruit only five players who are not employed in the company they are representing. Also, one employee must be on the court at all times and violation of this special rule will result to a technical foul charged to the offending team.

Games in the Shirley's caging will take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and two matches will be held every playing day.

For more information about the 4th Shirley's Coffee Shop Basketball League, contact Pagarao at 285-8311 or via email at pagarao11@yahoo.com or Rey Lingcaso at 789-7943.