THE Rollers Black secured the U17 division championship of the Rollers Basketball Association Spring Madness on Saturday by defeating the Ol’Aces, 52-47, at the Koblerville gym.
It was the unselfishness of the Rollers Black that separated them from the opposing team as they constantly moved the ball around to create several shot opportunities.
Lucio Aldan of the Rollers dished out four assists in the first half alone, setting up team-mates Freddy Pelisamen Jr. and Leopoldo Naraja for back-to-back buckets totaling 12 points.
When the Ol’Aces closed out the driving lanes, the Rollers passed the ball back out where Steve King and Anthony Laraja wreaked havoc from beyond the three-point line.
The Ol’Aces did what they do best and that was turning defense into offense led by Craig Padayao and DK Fiden who constantly attacked the rim, drawing fouls along the way.
Fiden added four points from the charity line to reduce the Rollers’ lead, 22-27.
The action only intensified during the second half as both teams gave it their all.
The Rollers eventually shut down Fiden’s productivity, but team-mate Padayao took over the offensive highlights, forcing himself at the free-throw line if he could not find an open shot within the paint.
However, with only Padayao providing the buckets, the Ol’Aces lacked the offensive power to take the lead.
As for the Rollers, their teamwork was impeccable. Naraja played a supporting role, grabbing a total of seven rebounds while King, Jeremiah Diaz and Luis C. continued to create scoring opportunities with four three-pointers. Laraja and Aldan mixed up the offensive assault with a few finishes at the rim to secure the win and the U17 championship for the Rollers.
King’s 16-point performance not only aided in Rollers Black’s victory but earned him the Finals MVP title as well.
Also receiving individual awards were his team-mates: Lucia Aldan as the King of Steals (14); Lucio Aldan, the King of Assists (9); and Merrick Toves, the Regular Season MVP with a season total of 37 points, 4 assists, 12 steals, 35 rebounds and 8 blocks.
The other recipients of the individual awards were the Ol’Aces’ Craig Padayao as the Scoring Champ with 50 points; and Kagman Rollers’ Reid Teregeyo as the King of Rebounds (42) and the King of Blocks (9).
Scores
Rollers Black 52 – Steve King 16, Leopoldo Naraja 12, Anthony Laraja 7, Freddy Pelisamen Jr 6, Lucio Aldan 5, Luis C. 5, Jeremiah Diaz 4
Ol’Aces 47 – Craig Padayao 20, Airson Atan 10, DK Fiden 6, Jesstin Laniyo 5, Harry Kapwich 4, Spencer Wabol 2
The Rollers Black pose with the U17 championship trophy during the awards ceremony of the RBA Spring Madness at the Koblerville gym on Saturday.
Contributed photo
The Ol’Aces finished second in the RBA Spring Madness U17 division, Saturday, at the Koblerville gym.
Contributed photo
