MISA names All-Star Team

First of two parts

The 2005 Mari-anas Interscholastic Sports Association High School Basketball League season came to a thrilling end, with recognition going not only to the champions.

Also taking a share of the spotlight were players from various teams in both the boys and girls divisions who put up consistent performances throughout the season.

Shortly after the championship games Monday night at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, the organizers recognized seven players from each division and awarded them for their efforts on the court that gave the fans much to cheer about.

Heading the Boys All-Stars was most valuable player Dan Barcinas of champion Mt. Carmel School Knights.

Barcinas was a shoo-in for the MVP award after his all-around play the entire season. The guard provided points, blocks, steals, rebounds, and assists when needed, but most importantly, was an unselfish team leader who helped the Knights believe and have faith throughout their phenomenal run.

He pumped in 32 points in the Knights’ 115-110 victory over the Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays.

“I’m still in shock,” said Barcinas in utter disbelief shortly after leading his team to victory. “I can’t believe it. We did it. I told the boys not to be scared, and we did it.”

Also joining Barcinas in the All-Star team were teammates Jeff Deleon Guerrero and Kovin Ogumoro.

Deleon Guerrero was also a spark plug for the Knights, using his speed to drive past defenders for easy and sometimes acrobatic lay ups that only drew more cheers from the MCS fans.

For his part, Ogumoro took care of the dirty work for the Knights, bumping and battling inside the paint for rebounds and loose balls, setting important screens for Barcinas and Deleon Guerrero, and also chipping in points on offense.

Earning a spot in the elite team was Manta Rays high-flier Rowell Aranda, who showed everyone just what he was made off during the championship match.

With his team down by as much as 18 points in the second half, Aranda took the initiative and carried the scoring load, unleashing an eye-popping 24 points in the final period, scoring on drives, put backs-off of offensive rebounds, and perimeter jump shots that brought the Mantas back into contention. He wound up with 43 points, but most importantly, earned respect as a scoring threat from all who witnessed.

Also making it to the squad was Mario Patrinus of the Kagman High School Ayuyus, who played in almost every minute of his team’s games this season. The Ayuyus’ point guard played like a leader, picking up the slack and challenging the opposition. He shattered the 20-point mark for most games, driving the lanes, nailing bombs from beyond the arc, and opening things up for his teammates.

Last but not the least, the MHS Dolphins forward Christian Dela Cruz earned the spotlight with consistent play in the paint, scoring in double figures in every game, while working hard and providing his squad solid presence under the rim.

Like those already mentioned, Dela Cruz worked relentlessly on both ends of the floor, taking hard hits while fighting for rebounds. (To be continued)