Motivation key to MIBT success—Aguon

By SHAN SEMAN

Staff Reporter

After a disappointing loss to Guam in last year’s Marianas Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Saipan Red All-Stars squad went on a mission that began on their first day back from Guam.

“We made a promise to ourselves after we loss that we were going to train and practice, and that we weren’t going settle for anything less than a championship this year,” said coach Rufino Aguon.

With the loss running in their minds, the squad was fueled with the needed motivation, and went on to win the Rotary Club League Basketball championship last summer. With their undefeated record, the future was pretty bright for the young squad.

Although already with a championship, the squad never bailed out on their training as they geared up for the Pepsi 25-Under League.

Playing with national team hopefuls Ponce Rasa and Mark Wallace, the team dominated the league and finished in second place. Forward Shane Ogumoro was the only member who played with a different team.

He played an enormous role for the Ol’Aces I team as they claimed the championship. He eventually reunited with the squad after the league.

The year went by faster than they thought, and before they knew it, they once again faced Guam in the championship game.

With payback in their minds, the team played with a lot of focus and executed plays that brought the fans off their feet.

At the final buzzer, the players redeemed themselves as they posted a 108-90 victory. “Motivation was key to MIBT success,” reiterated coach Aguon.

Saipan Tribune caught up with several members of the Saipan Red team, and got an inside look on their keys to their success.

“This year, we have more heart,” said forward Ambrose Ogumoro. “We were rookies last year, and even though we lost, we stayed together,” he said.

Center Kelvin Fitial also added that with their win in the Rotary League, they knew they were better players. “We eventually found the rhythm of playing together, then we felt like we were unstoppable,” he said.

Coach Aguon, who was the mastermind for the team, commented on how the boys matured over the past year.

“Because they stuck together, they were able to learn each others’ strengths. The plays have became automatic for them, and not only did they mature as basketball players, but also as citizens,” he said.

Aguon also added that their training with the national team has helped the players improve and mature.