Dolphins still unbeaten in boys hoops

The Marianas High School Dolphins are still playing high-level basketball after they notched their fifth straight win in as many games in the 2023-2024 IT&E Interscholastic Boys High School Basketball League last Friday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Dolphins took their fifth win against the Saipan International School Geckos in a blowout 61-20 game.

The Geckos stood no chance against the Dolphins’ aggressive defense and well-executed strategy as the lead just grew wider and wider with each second that passed.

Before they could even think of going for a shot at the basket, the Geckos’ shot clock reached zero multiple times—with the Dolphins’ man-to-man defense leaving no opening. The Dolphins’ defense also matched their offense as while the Geckos had almost no chances at the basket, the Dolphins easily added fuel to their fire.

The first half came and went and only 5 points swished for the Geckos. They went through the wringer as turnovers and steals made it difficult for them to carry out their plays before it became Dolphins’ possession again.

The Dolphins showed no mercy in the second half as most of their bench and starting five contributed to their winning cause. Khristian David led the team with his 14 points, while Marl Balingasay shot 11, and Kenny Laquian made 7.

It was almost half through the second half when finally SIS found themselves on the board again. SIS’ Omari Joab and team tried their best to get at least halfway to the Dolphins lead, but was left in the dust quickly with a 41-point deficit. Joab scored the most points for his team toward the end of the game with 6, while Kyle Kramer had 4, and Aiden Camacho had 3.

In other results that night, Mount Carmel School defeated Grace Christian Academy, 46-28, and Saipan Southern High School escaped Agape Christian School, 46-44.

In last Wednesday’s games, SSHS JV edged Kagman High School JV, 28-18, and MHS Yellow is still undefeated after they beat MCS JV, 31-23.

Only Kagman High School is undefeated also with five wins—with MHS facing off against them in the last regular season game this Friday, March 1.

SSHS is right behind them with a 5-1 record; MCS is at an even 3-3; Rota’s Dr. Rita H. Inos High School Bucks has a 2-2 record; ACS is at 1-4; Tinian High School is 1-2; and SIS and GCA have yet to win with five losses.

MHS 61 – David 14, Balignasay 11, Laquian 7, Ye 6, Tengco 6, Alano 6, Jiang 6, Suba 4, Catubo 1.

SIS 20 – O. Joab 6, Kramer 4, A. Camacho 3, Chambers 3, Newman 2, D. Camacho 2.

Scoring by halves: 29-5, 61-20.