Streetball hoopsters take center stage next week

Got game?

Another golden opportunity to showcase basketball skills is nearing as the Back 2 School 3-on-3 Street Basketball Jam returns for its second edition next Saturday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The event, held with the purpose of promoting physical fitness among the youth, will feature its preliminary round beginning shortly after a player’s orientation at 10am.

The street cage jam will feature four divisions as teams in the boys and girls 15-18 years and 14-and-under will put their skills to the test as they vie for the coveted championship crowns.

Pre-registration is available from Sept. 12 to 16 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium or the MHS Gym from 6pm to 7pm.

During a meeting yesterday, organizers indicated that teams can also register during game day, however, they must do so between 7:30am and 8:30am. Officials will close registration at 8:30am and will begin creating the schedules for the four divisions.

Organizers also indicated that while teams are duking it out for supremacy, tunes will be provided by guest disc jockey Big Boy of Power 99 FM. Vendors such as Subway and Tai and Tia will be at the location to provide food and drinks. Refreshments such as water and Gatorade will also be provided by Pacific Trading Co.

The top teams emerging from the preliminary round will then advance to the championship games for their respective divisions, which will be held on Sept. 24 at the Civic Center court.

No entrance fee is required for the preliminary round, however, teams that advance to the finals must pay $5 per player.

Event official Roxanne Diaz of the Division of Public Health also disclosed that the championship games will also coincide with the Family Fitness Fair.

“So far, so good,” she said of the preparations. “We’re promoting the same cause and we’re happy to join up with [Family Fitness Fair] because it would attract more people. Everyone can maximize their time by taking advantage of all the health and fitness exhibits, games, and activities.”

The street jam will also feature raffle drawings with prizes to be handed out to the lucky ones in attendance.

Aside from Public Health and PTC, other sponsors for the event include the United Filipino Organization, Community Guidance Center, Division of Sports and Recreation, and the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.

For more information, contact Carol Paez at 664-3806 or Diaz at 236-8703.