Ghasias phenom takes scoring title

Ghasias 7-Kings scoring phenom Fred Pelisamen had another shining regular season in the 2005 BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League, leading his team to the playoffs while capturing the league’s scoring title.

Known as one of the best finishers on the court, Pelisamen rifled away during his team’s 12 games in the regular season and led the scoring category from beginning to end.

Based on statistics provided by league official Jovie Omar yesterday, the scoring machine bested everyone in the league with a whopping 391 points, a tally that was 161 points more than the next highest scorer.

While tormenting the defenses of six other teams, Pelisamen finished with an average of 32.6 points per game.

Behind Pelisamen is his older brother Ben, the other half of the Ghasias’ one-two punch, and SaipanCell-NMC Hoopaholics guard Jason Amado. The two guards worked for 230 points in 12 games for averages of 19.2 points per outing.

Bull-strong center and former CNMI National team cager Kelvin Fitial of the G-Rollers also had an impressive showing in the regular season and helped his team place in the top four with 229 points for an average of 19.1 per game, while Jeremy Winkfield was a driving force in Toyota Prius’ pennant title run, going off for 224 points for an 18.7 average.

Billy Joe Kaipat of the 7-Kings is fifth on the list with an average of 17 points per game after pumping in 186 markers in 11 games, while Prius guard Dan Barcinas follows with a 15.2 average on 167 points.

Gus Palacios of Ulloa’s, Jose Tumaquip of the G-Rollers, and Pete Mendiola of the Hoopaholics cap the top 10 scorers of the season.

Palacios was Ulloa’s immovable force in the paint and accounted for 141 points in 11 games for a 12.8 average, while Tumaquip’s sweet shooting touch gave his team a solid outside game. The guard had 138 points in 11 games for a 12.5 average.

For his part, Mendiola helped Hoopaholics finish with a second-best record as the veteran forward worked his way for 111 points to end the season with an average of 10 points per outing.

Omar said several players would have been on the top 10, however, played in only 10 games. She said to qualify a player must play in 11 or more games.

The much-anticipated playoff rounds are scheduled to unfold May 30. Making up the cast are Prius, Hoopaholics, G-Rollers, San Antonio Wildcats, Ulloa’s, and the 7-Kings.

League official Elias Rangamar earlier disclosed that if possible, the playoffs will feature a double-elimination format. The format, however, depends on availability of funds.

If the funds are insufficient to compensate officials—referees, scorers, and timers—the playoffs would feature a single elimination format with a best-of-three championship series.