NYBA tourney kicks off tomorrow at MHS, Ada gyms

After countless hours of preparation, the Northern Youth Basketball Association will finally hit its highlight for the year as the 2nd Annual DFS NYBA Invitational kicks off tomorrow in two separate venues.

The organizing committee had its final meeting yesterday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room, and after all the said and done, NYBA officials Joe Diaz and George Cruz explained that all critical areas of concern were tackled.

With that, the tournament will kick off at 3pm at the Marianas High School Gymnasium with an opening ceremony. Games will immediately follow, with three to be played at the site and another three at the Ada Gym.

The committee also finalized the teams for the competition. A total of 27 teams will vie for supremacy in five divisions.

Making up the cast for the Division I 12-and-under competition is Saipan International School, Agat Lakers, and Garapan Rollers.

The Division II 15-and-under boys’ competition will feature nine teams as the Agat Lakers, G-Rollers I and II, G-Stars, Sixers, Sonics, and Tinian I and II battle, while the girls’ contest will feature Hopwood Junior High School, G-Rollers, Tinian, and Agat Lakers.

The Division III 19-and-under girls competition will have the Agat Lakers, Hopwood Junio High School, and G-Rollers vie for the title, while the boys’ corner features 670, G-Rollers, G-Sparks, Matansa Sparks, Navy Hill Ballers, Sonics, Rota, Barrigada, and Tinian.

With the number of teams in the boys’ Division II and Division III, organizers decided to use pool play format. With the media on hand to witness, as well as tournament officials, a draw was held in order to determine which teams play in Pool A and which battle in Pool B.

Tournament officials also stressed that all teams must have a representative present for a technical meeting set for 11am tomorrow at the MHS Gym. The important meeting will be used as a venue to clarify rules and well as voice concerns relating to the tournament.

Meanwhile, organizers have already lined up referees and officials for the games, while meals, lodging, and transportation is already in place for off island teams. Saipan teams will also be provided meals.

The NYBA will also have two offices, with one located at the Ada Gym conference and the other at the MHS Gym.

For more information, email NYBA at nyba-cnmi@hotmail.com, or contact Elias Rangamar at 664-2502 or Cruz at 233-4647.