By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE NYBA 16-and-under Basketball Leagues has lured 17 teams so far and the organizing Northern Youth Basketball Association is hopeful more squads will register for the annual caging before it starts on March 20.
“We had a meeting with the coaches yesterday confirming their participation in the tournament and we’re getting inquiries from other teams,” said NYBA developmental officer Joe Diaz.
According to Diaz, eight teams so far have registered for the 14-and-under division, while the boys’ 16-and-under group has five teams. Two teams are entered in the 12-and-under co-ed division, while the girls’ 16-and-under has two squads.
Celtics’ coach David Litulimar will have one team in the 16-and-under, the Sixers of coach Ray Duenas will field one team each in the boys and girls’ 16- and-under and two in the 14-and-under.
The Sonics’ Jesse Tudela has one squad each in the 16-and-under and 14-and-under divisions, while Jose Tumaquip will field the G-Stars in the 16-and-under.
Ray Basa will have two 14-and-under teams from Chacha Ocean View Junior High School, while Kagman’s Sam Joyner will enter one team each in the boys’ 16-and-under and co-ed 12 and-under and two teams in the 14-and-under. Kagman teams will be known as the Explosives.
The G-Rollers will field one team apiece in the girls and boys’ 16-and-under divisions, boys’ 14-and-under and 12-and-under.
Coaches of the participating teams must submit the requirements by March 17. The entrance fee is $150 per team.
Coaches are also required to undergo a drug test.
Players and coaches must be alcohol and tobacco-free and are required to render 20 hours of community service for the entire year to qualify to play in any NYBA sanctioned tournament.
NYBA will also implement a grade requirement, which allows only players who have C or better grades to play.
Coaches must submit copies of players’ report cards, health insurance cards and waiver forms.
A player suspended from school will not be allowed to play in any NYBA tournament. He has to wait until the next term to be able to play.
Meanwhile, NYBA will be holding a coin drive today in four locations starting at 3:30 p.m. The four locations will be near the traffic lights near Microl-Toyota in San Jose, the Bank of Guam along Garapan, in Dandan and in Navy Hill, near the Commonwealth Health Center.
Proceeds from the coin drive will be used for NYBA projects this season.