Lady Rays drench Lady Geckos in HS hoops opener

Defending champions Saipan Southern High School Lady Manta Rays drenched Saipan International School Lady Geckos, 39-8, in their opening game of the 2024-2025 IT&E Interscholastic Girls High School Basketball League last Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada G2ymnasium.

Lady Geckos pitter pattered their way through the court, while the Lady Rays tore through with vigor from a fire ignited by recent transfer, NMI National Women’s Basketball Team player Azriel Fatialofa.

She made her presence known from the jump-ball with an immediate basket, followed by 2 more for an early 6 points. She went on to score 6 more points in the first half for a total of 12 markers. Meanwhile, SIS managed to put up just 2 points from Euanne Claveria for a 22-2 first half.

The Lady Rays continued their rampage on the court as their defense crumbled the Lady Geckos and rooted them to just 2 points way into the second half. Fatialofa contributed 4 more points before their bench were put up to play.

Shaenna Yamada and Phoenix Gross then controlled the ball as they scored 4 points each, while the Lady Geckos desperately scrambled to get more points on the scoreboard. They had missed opportunities but finally converted a field goal made by Keylie Claveria with six minutes left. Then, Hoo Wang scored their last 2 points before they waved the white flag, 8-39.

Fatialofa led the Lady Rays with 16 points, while Yamada and Gross put up 5 markers each.

In other results that day, Kagman High School Lady Ayuyus trounced SSHS JV, 31-12; and Mount Carmel School Lady Knights discarded of Marianas High School Lady Dolphins, 31-3.

The opening day was actually scheduled for last Wednesday, but due to the tropical storm warning, it was rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Games are played on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with the championship series set for Dec. 11-13.

SSHS 39 – Azzy Fatialofa 16, Gross 5, Yamada 5, Aiyana Fatialofa 4, Ramon 3, Collage 2, Saralu 2.

SIS 8 – E. Claveria 4, K. Claveria 2, Wang 2.

Scoring by halves: 22-2, 39-8.