CK Hoosiers are IVYBL champs

The Chalan Kanoa Hoosiers defeated the San Antonio Sixers last Thursday at the Ada Gym in front of a large CK crowd that came to witness the Hoosiers finally capture the IVYBL title that have eluded them since the inception of the IVYBL back in January of ’99.

They were swept by Tanapag and the Gualo Rai Panthers during the finals the last two seasons. The Hoosiers also clinched the pennant title earlier as they finished the league with the best record, 9-0.

Mel Manibusan, playing his last season in the 14 and Under League, was named the Most Valuable Player for the championships. He was outstanding defensively as he blocked critical shots down the stretch in a tightly contested game against a strong team who won the first IVYBL crown.

Manibusan utilized his height advantage and teammate Christian Villacrusis used his speed as they teamed up to score 6 points each in the first quarter as the Hoosiers jumped to a 16-9 lead.

Sixer’s JR Ngeskebei, who led his team with 18 points, controlled the ball in the second quarter as he pumped in 10 points including four free throws to try and bring the Sixers back in contention but the Hoosiers consistent balance scoring in the quarter prevented any threat of a Sixers comeback.

Manibusan, Jason Lizama, Ty Aldan, Luis Reyes, Villacrusis and regular season MVP and scoring champion Allison Kaipat, all combined for 18 points for a 34-25, halftime lead.

In the third quarter, the Sixers modified their team offense and seemed to work as they outscored the Hoosiers 20-18, however, it was only temporary as Villacrusis and Aldan picked up the slack for Kaipat, who fouled out late in the game to score eight and six points, respectively, as the CK boys stormed ahead for a 71-60 triumph.

Villacrusis finished the game with 20 points while colleagues Aldan, Manibusan and Lizama contributed with 17, 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Kaipat was held below his average and scored 4 points. Besides JR Ngeskebei, the only Sixer who scored in double figures was Dave Camacho, who made 13 points in a losing effort.

The league organizers presented the following trophies to all deserving winners after the game: Pennant champs, CK Hoosiers; championship, CK Hoosiers; runner-up champs, San Antonio Sixers; third place, San Vicente Suns; sportsmanship, Kagman Cougars; MVP season Allison Kaipat, Hoosiers; MVP playoffs, Mel Manibusan, Hoosiers; and scoring champ, Allison Kaipat.

On hand to grace the awards ceremony were DCCA Secretary Tom Tebuteb and Syl Ada from DYS who was responsible for securing the awards as well as game equipment.