Sixers I, Makos advance to semis

Sixers I and Makos became the first teams to enter the semis of the 2004 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League after easily beating separate rivals Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the opener, Sixers I drew 32 points from the player formerly known as J.R. Ngeskebei – now he wants to be called John Ramon – as the pennant champions turned back Chalan Kanoa Saints 121-58.

The boys of coach Ryan Nisperos were never threatened in the game and immediately jumped into a big lead thanks in part to the hot 3-point shooting of Ngeskebei.

With the energetic forward pumping in 22 points, including two from downtown, Sixers I were able to enjoy a hefty 58-29 advantage at the halftime break.

The start of the second half was no different from the beginning of the game, as Sixers I again brought their running shoes and just simply overcame Chalan Kanoa with an avalanche of points.

While the Saints only had the dynamic duo of Luis and L.J. Reyes to count on, Sixers I relied on Ngeskebei, Julian Ranas, Allison Kaipat, Adrian Echon and Rowell Aranda to pile up the points.

When the buzzer finally sounded, Sixers I more than doubled the Saints’ total points and were on their way to the final four.

Ranas and Aranda pumped in 16 points apiece to support Ngeskebei’s offensive explosion, while Kaipat and Echon chipped in 14 points each.

The Reyes brothers scored 38 points between them to pace Saints, which were eliminated from the playoffs.

In the nightcap, Makos played just well enough to survive an upset-conscious Sparks squad, 94-73.

Paul Magcalas played the fireman’s role the entire game, torching the nets with 28 points to lead Makos to the victory. Big men Won Joo Jung and Seth Hocking also stepped up for power forward Christian Dela Cruz, scoring 17 and 14 points, respectively. Dela Cruz had an off-night with just 4 points.

Tower of Power Mike Reyes led Sparks’ losing charge with 26 points. Benjamin Jones Jr. also had a good night tossing in 22 markers.

The two other quarterfinal matches, between defending champion Ol’Aces and Garapan Rollers I in the first game and the 69ers I and Sixers II in the second game, were still being played as of press time.

The semifinals of the 18-and-under league starts tonight at 5:30pm. Sixers I will draw the victor between 69ers I and Sixers II, while Makos will play the winner of the Ol’Aces-G-Rollers I tussle.

First Game

Sixers I 121 – Ngeskebei 32, Ranas 16, Aranda 16, Kaipat 14, Echon 14, B. Flores 9, Lizama 8, Cequena 6, Encio 4, A. Flores 2.

C.K. Saints 58 – L.J. Reyes 20, Lu. Reyes 18, B. Iglecias 8, G. Iglecias 6, La. Reyes 4, San Nicolas 2.

Scoring by halves: 58-29, 121-58.

Second Game

Makos 94 – P. Magcalas 28, Jung 17, Hocking 13, Magdayao 12, Johnson 8, Magofna 9, R. Magcalas 4, Dela Cruz 4.

Sparks 73 – Reyes 26, Jones Jr. 22, Diaz 8, Iguel 4, Ogarto 4, San Nicolas 3, B. Jones 3, Mario 3.

Scoring by halves: 43-30, 94-73.