Blazers, Sonics down U19 opponents

The CK Blazers and Sonics notched separate wins in the U19 division of the 20th Annual Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League last Friday at the TSL Sports Complex.

The Blazers started a bit slow in the opener, but regrouped with a big push in the second quarter and held off a late rally by Hi-5 for a 61-59 nail-biter.

The Sonics then took the floor in the second game and methodically picked apart Kagman, 30-24, in what was a highly defensive tiff.

The Sonics improved their card to 2-1, while the Blazers finally broke into the winner’s column after their third try. Third time was not a charm for Hi-5, as its streak came to an end. Kagman has dropped two in a row after its debut victory.

Hi-5 took control early, 10-7, in the first quarter, and maintained a basket-lead at halftime, 27-25. Six Hi-5 players chipped in on the action, while Blazers’ Brandon Aulerio kept his team in contention with 11 markers in the first half.

The Blazers caught a second wind in the third period and jumped ahead, 47-37, heading into the final frame. Aulerio tallied 11 more points in the third quarter.

Hi-5 saved gas in the tank for one final push, but perhaps ran out of time, as it came up a bucket short by the final buzzer.

Hi-5’s Don Hockett and Nikko Salem mustered six points apiece in the clutch, but the Blazers drilled six free throws that helped secure the victory.

Aulerio turned in another gem for 25 points, while Hocket led Hi-5 with 11.

Both teams started cold in the second match, as the Sonics managed a slim 7-4 edge in the first period. Then the Sonics pulled ahead at halftime, 17-10, thanks to their speedy full court press.

The Sonics’ game plan came together after some halftime adjustments and they trudged forward to a daunting 34-12 lead heading into the final period.

Surprisingly, however, Kagman did not go quietly as its defense contained the Sonics to just six markers in the final canto. In the end, the Sonics did a good job of protecting the ball and milking the clock.

The Sonics’ Ezra Caro led all scorers with eight points, while Kagman’s Jiovanni Olopai paced his team with six.

The U19 season continues tonight, as Rollers Basketball Club’s 1 and 2 face off in the lone game today.

First Game

CK Blazers 61 ­– Aulerio 25, Torres 11, Kaipat 6, Eughbanks 2.

Hi-5 59 – Hockett 11, F. Macahito 9, G. Macahito 9, Atalig 4, Manibusan 2, Omarte 2.

Scoring by quarters: 7-10, 27-25, 47-37, 61-59

Second Game

Sonics 30 – Caro 8, De Guzman 6, A Palacios 4, Sula 3, Alegre 2, Ecalnea 2, Salem 2, Tudela 2, Villanueva 1.

Kagman 24 – Olopai 6, Dawe 4, Laniyo 4, Mettao 4, J, Norita 4, Teregeyo 2,

Scoring by quarters: 7-4, 17-10, 24-12, 30-24.