Two-peat for MHS boys basketball team

The Marianas High School Dolphins are creating a dynasty after clinching their second straight basketball title with a win against Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays, 64-48, in the championship game of the 2023-2024 IT&E Interscholastic Boys High School Basketball League last Saturday at a jam-packed Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Dolphins beamed as bright as their yellow jerseys that matched the gym’s bleachers and outshone the Manta Rays throughout the game. If the first half was a close one with a 10-point deficit in favor of the Dolphins, their lead only burgeoned in the second half.

Multiple missed opportunities by the Manta Rays with less than two minutes left failed to yield results. Rebounds and quick, inaccurate releases prolonged their possession but to no avail as all their shots missed while the Mighty Dolphins leaped and muscled their way to protect the basket.

At this point, the Dolphins already had a hefty lead and were left to just defend and kill time. Leading scorer Charlz Sanchez gave MHS their advantage starting in the first half when he put up 11 points, and was assisted by Aiden Suba’s 9, and Khristian David’s 8 points.

Both teams’ defenses were rough but MHS’ strategy was man-to-man, which resulted in multiple trips to the charity line by SSHS in the first half. Despite the free points, SSHS lagged behind to an all-around explosive MHS team.

Come the last half, Sanchez continued to rack up points. Sean Licayan entered the mix and became another burst of energy that helped lengthened the lead. In the end, Sanchez top-scored with 17 points, while Suba scored 13, Licayan shot 11, and David put up 10. SSHS’ top scorers were Heman Addy with 12, Slymark Defang with 10, and Kian Helgen with 8.

The rest of the MHS roster included Elijah Ye, Marl Balignasay, Jan Catubo, MD Islam, Mokyang Kim, Webb Alano, Kenny Laquian, Marc Tengco, Andy Jiang, Stephen Diyco, and Joseph Paraiso.

Third place went to Mount Carmel School after SSHS defeated them, 64-48.

MHS teacher and boys’ basketball team head coach Dan Wollack said after the championships that it felt “awesome” winning two in row. “Three years ago, we came really close to winning and didn’t happen, so it feels great to have a perfect season and run it back with these boys,” he said.

The difference this season from last, said Wollack, was that a lot of their players have been in the program for a few years now.

“They really understand what we’re trying to do offensively, the ball movement, and the player movement. So, this year, our goal was really 100% defense—very possession, make them take difficult shots. We really wanted to commit to playing man-to-man. Most teams play zone and we just really wanted to be that team that plays tough man-to-man defense and makes them battle for every shot,” he said.

As for their championship game against SSHS, he said that they fought really hard and had some talented players. However, with his 15-player team, he said he trusts all of them. “Our depth helps us win games,” said Wollack. Out of the whole team, seven players are graduating, but Wollack is confident in the team that’s returning, as well as their JV teams.

He then thanked his wife for putting up with the crazy hours, coach Preston Basa, the MHS admin, and the whole PSS Athletics Program.

MHS 64 – Sanchez 17, Suba 13, Licayan 11, David 10, Ye 9, Balignasay 2, Catubo 2.

SSHS 48 – Addy 12, Defang 10, Helgen 8, Andon 7, Navarro 5, Enriquez 4, Olaes 2.

Scoring by halves: 35-25, 64-48.