2023 Eagles hoops tourney MVPs announced

The most valuable players of the Inaugural SMEC-SMLEG Invitational Basketball Tournament 2023 were announced during the championship awards ceremony held last Saturday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

The finals MVP for the open division was Checkpoint’s Keith Santos for his exceptional plays and consistency, while A Plus Team’s Chris Sanchez was the masters division MVP for his pinpoint accuracy and break-neck footwork.

In the regular season, masters division’s Andrew “Uncle Drew” Ashburn of A Plus Team was the MVP for his great performance throughout the season. In the open division, Eats Easy-The Game’s J.R. Galang was the MVP for his skills and level of play.

For the open division awardees, the “Mythical 5” included Easy Riders’ Cris Diwa and Keith Santos as the best guards; Galang and Checkpoint’s Coby Santos won the best forward titles; and the best center was Melvin Manibusan.

The best coach award went to Erwin Lumanlan of Checkpoint.

The Sportsmanship award was bestowed on the Homesmart team and IT&E.

Fourth place was CK Saints; third place was Eats Easy-The Game; runner-up was Easy Riders; and the open champion was Checkpoint.

For the masters division, their Mythical 5 was made up of J.R. Barrios and Dick Tibayan as the best guards; best forwards were Joel Javier and Cecilio Bisana; and best center was Ashburn.

The best coach was A Plus Team’s Edong Echavez.

The sportsmanship award went to the Win Pacific team.

Fourth place went to Legends, third was JSN; the runner up was Blue Haus; and the masters champion was A Plus Team.

After the awarding, the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, and the Saipan Maga’Haga Lady Eagles Group, organizers of the league, thanked their sponsors and donors.

Their sponsors and donors were: IT&E, Hawaiian Rock Products, Numbers International, Success International, RNV-Best Deal, Boarderline, Cafe Meraki, Chang Ming, Citrine Restaurant & Cafe, Triple R Auto Shop, Royal Pacific Express, Sophia Althea Jewelry, Islander Rent A Car, Puerto Rico Bento, 9 Eleven Resto Bar, Bourbon Street Bar & Cafe, 5Ps Collection, Meals 4 U, JCE Services, LLC., Multiline Supply, 6JMS Sports Bar & Grill, Blue Haus Trading, Check Point Intl., and 100.3KWAW FM.