Pennant champs torch Sixers II

The playoffs of the 2005 Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League unfurled last night with pennant champion 69ers perpetuating their undefeated run with an 86-21 demolition of Sixers II at the Koblerville Basketball Court.

Coach Ray Duenas’ crew made sure there would be no upset as they quickly pulled ahead, lighting up the scoreboard for 20 points, while playing tenacious defense that limited the Sixers II to just a field goal in the opening period.

Not satisfied, the 69ers continued to fire on all cylinders in the second stanza and widened their lead to a commanding margin, courtesy of another 20-point output that was complemented again by their strong “D”, which held the Sixers II to four points for a 40-6 cushion at the break.

The tough defense continued to be the story of the game, as the 69ers prevented their opponents from breaking the 10-point mark in each of the remaining two quarters.

Guard Mart Pangelinan led six 69ers in double figures with 14 points, while veterans Bill Babauta and Ernest Duenas chipped in 12 points apiece. Matt Sablan, Jake Maratita, and Alex King also pumped in 10 points each.

Lawrence Echon and Ron Catap led the Sixers II as they made their season farewell with 6 points apiece.

After a little over a month of intense battles, the regular season of the IVYBL finally ended Thursday night with Matansa Sparks earning a free win, beating the Kagman Cougars via forfeit.

Playoff action continues tonight as the second-seeded Sixers I, who won each of their regular season games except for a nail-biting loss to the 69ers, attempt to advance to the semifinals but first have to get past Hopwood Junior High School (1-6) at 6:30pm at Koblerville.

Defending champion Garapan Rollers (5-2) will begin their title defense tomorrow evening in the third playoff game on their home court, as they square up against sixth-seed Kagman Cougars, who had an up-and-down season with a 2-5 card.

The first round of the playoffs ends Thursday night with fourth seed Matansa Sparks (4-3) taking on with fifth seed Tanapag Young Warriors (3-4) at the Tanapag Basketball Court.

According to league coordinator Jonathan Tenorio, the winners of Game 1 and Game 4 of the playoffs will meet in the first half of the Final Four Monday evening at Koblerville, while Game 2 and Game 3 winners will fight for their second finals ticket on Tuesday at the Garapan Basketball Court.

The losers of the semifinals will then compete for third place in the consolation game on Wednesday, while the much-anticipated championship game will finally tip off on Thursday evening. Both games are to be held at the Garapan court.

Tenorio added that an awards banquet would be held at the Carolinian Utt shortly after the 2005 14-and-under league champions are crowned.

For more information, contact Tenorio at 664-2503.

69ers 86— Pangelinan 14, Babauta 12, E. Duenas 12, King 10, Maratita 10, Sablan 10, M. Duenas 8, Fejeran 4, White 2, C. Duenas 2, Santos 2.

Sixers II 21—Echon 6, Catap 6, Villegas 3, Sambile 2, Norita 2, Palacios 2.

Scoring by quarter: 20-2, 40-6, 62-12, 86-21.

Referees: Joe Mettao and Jonathan Tenorio.