Saints shock 69ers I, Sixers II drubs G-Rollers II

Chalan Kanoa Saints and Sixers II posted contrasting wins Thursday night in the 2004 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League held at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the first game, the Saints (5-4) leaned on the hot hands of brothers Luis and L.J. Reyes and pulled the rug under favored 69ers I (5-3), 70-68.

69ers I controlled the tempo of the ballgame early on but cannot seem to shake off a pesky Saints team. Josh Sablan and Shawn Fujihira played their usual games; leading the team in points as 69ers I took a modest 31-26 at the break.

But Chalan Kanoa began to really pressure coach Ray Duenas’ team as the second half unfolded. The Saints would eventually take the lead for good as the blazing Reyes brothers hit everything they threw at the direction of the basket.

A late 3-pointer by L.J. would eventually seal the deal for the Saints as they walked out of the Ada Gym euphoric after handing their opponents the 2-point upset.

Luis torched the rim with a game-high 32 points, while L.J. was equally impressive firing 24 points as well as dishing off twice and stealing the ball five times.

Fujihira paced 69ers I in the loss, totaling 20 markers and 10 boards. Sablan played an off game, finishing with “only” 18 markers. He, however, had 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Sixers II (5-3) had no such trouble against Garapan Rollers II (2-6) in the second game, as the San Antonio team led from start to finish in the 84-63 triumph.

With four players tossing in at least 4 points in the first half, Sixers II took the initiative and entered lemontime enjoying a comfortable 42-28 spread.

The balanced offensive attack carried on to the second half with coach Ryan Nisperos emptying his bench to give his shock troopers minutes on the floor.

Despite playing with second stringers, Sixers II didn’t seem to miss a beat and continued their onslaught of Garapan.

When the final horn sounded, Sixers II completed the stroll in the park, winning the game by 21 points.

Jason Bahillo was the highpoint man for Sixers II with 20 points, while Manuel Ajoste, Randolph Ferrer, and Mike Eclevia chipped in 10 points or better in the win.

Arvin Avila and Jose Castro sparkled in the loss, finishing with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The 18-and-under Rotary league resumes tonight with league leader Sixers I taking on Garapan Rollers I in the 5:30pm opener. The 7pm second game then pits the CNMI Women’s Junior National Team against the Sparks.

First Game

Chalan Kanoa Saints 70 – Lu. Reyes 32, L.J. Reyes 24, San Nicolas 6, B. Iglecias 4, G, Iglecias 2, Sato 2.

69ers I 68 – Fujihira 20, J. Sablan 18, Alvarez 12, Blas 9, B. Sablan 5, Sanchez 4.

Scoring by halves: 26-31, 70-68.

Second Game

Sixers II 84 – Ja. Bahillo 20, Ajoste 14, Ferrer 14, Eclevia 10, V. Kaipat 6, F. Palacios 6, Appelo 4, Kintz 4, Je. Bahillo 2, J. Kaipat 2, E. Palacios 2.

Garapan Rollers II 63 – Avila 14, Castro 10, Teregeyo 8, Cruz 6, Tebuteb 5, Tellei 5, Devro 4, Iguel 4, J. Moses 3, Cequena 2, A. Moses 2.

Scoring by halves: 42-28, 84-63.