25-and-under cage league kicks off tomorrow

The long wait is finally coming to an end.

With adrenaline rushing through their veins after months of watching other leagues go about their business, players competing in the Basketball Association of the Northern Marianas Islands 25-and-under Basketball League will finally have their time to shine as the 2005 season kicks off tomorrow at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

This, according to league co-coordinator Elias Rangamar, who disclosed yesterday that the action-pack competition gets underway with four of the six registered teams taking to the hard court.

Rangamar said the season-opener, scheduled to tip off at 6:30pm, pits last year’s runner-up Ghasias Brothers against the Hoopaholics.

Immediately following the bout will be a clash between the Toyota Prius and Garapan Rollers. The match is expected to get underway at 8:30pm.

The rest of the six-team field includes Ulloa and the San Antonio Wildcats.

Action resumes next Saturday, with all six teams scheduled for action. Details of the schedule have yet to be furnished, however, Rangamar said games would be played at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.

Meanwhile, Rangamar underscored the need for all managers and coaches to attend a mandatory meeting at noon today.

The team representatives are expected to submit all required documents, including identification of each player as well as proof of age. Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season.

Waiver forms for each team will also be made available at the meeting.

Each player is required to submit a completed waiver form prior to setting foot on the court.

Rangamar also indicated that all teams, aside from Ulloa, are cleared to play, citing that Ulloa has yet to pay their entrance fee. The team would not see action until the fee is paid.

Registration fee for the 25-and-under league is $900 for teams who wish to have uniforms supplied by the league or $600 for teams who already have their own uniforms.

In 2003, the Northern Marianas College Proa hoisted the championship crown by downing a determined Brothers squad in a hard-fought finale. The team was coached by Rufino Aguon and included players such as Jester Garcia, Ambrose Ogumoro, Dave Palacios, Jeremy Sablan, and Oscar Ada, among others.

For more information on the 25-and-under league, call BANMI president Mike Muna at 664-3582, or league coordinators Abner Venus at 287-5911 or Rangamar at 664-2503.