Undefeated FMS, ACS lead IT&E boys caging

Defending champs Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Napu Riders and Agape Christian School Torchbearers ended the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record each after defeating their foes in the last regular season game of the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Middle School Basketball League 2023-2024 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium Wednesday night.

The Napu Riders had a tough showing against neighboring Hopwood Middle School Hilitais but came out to win, 28-20.

The Hilitais were once undefeated and tried to end the regular season strong, but the Napu Riders’ made sure to keep their streak alive. With HMS Down, 15-21, FMS’ Dezmon Camacho lengthened the lead with a 3-pointer to make it 15-24.

HMS began rushing their plays and tried to intercept with quick hands and footwork, which paid off as Jequinn Lizama made it 17-24. With about less than two minutes left on the clock, HMS’ Jericho Manuel went big with a shot from 3-point territory to close in, 20-24.

But the Napu Riders, with less than 30 seconds left, made sure to keep possession as Keith Agulto took them home with back-to-back field goals to win by eight points.

The Torchbearers had it easier against HMS JV, 38-9.

ACS’ Raffy Cai led the team with 21 points, while he was assisted by Daniel Yang’s 5 points, Danny Cheng’s 4, and Benny Li, Reyviel Escarlan, and Huaen Chen’s 2 points each.

In other results, Dandan Middle School took down ChaCha Ocean View Middle School, 36-26; Tanapag Middle School pummeled Mount Carmel School JV, 37-14; and Saipan International School won a close game against Saipan Community School, 23-21.

HMS ended the season with a 7-2 record; DMS and MCS were at 5-3; COVMS was at 4-4; TMS was 3-5; SIS was 2-7; and SCS was 0-8.

Last night was the start of the championship tournament. The championship round is set for this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 12:30pm.