SSHS’ Kian Helgen takes the fadeaway jumper during a boys high school division game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League at the Ada gym on Wednesday
SSHS’ Rasg Andon attempts the baseline drive during a boys high school division game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League at the Ada gym on Wednesday.
SAIPAN Southern High School is off to a strong start in the boys high school division of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY23-24, defeating Mount Carmel School, 40-30, at the Ada gym on Wednesday.
SSHS started the game with confidence as their ball movement created a handful of openings. Defang Slymark and Christian Lucero acted as the sparkplugs by scoring the first two buckets in the opening half while teammate Jezpher Navarro extended the range with back-to-back triples to establish control.
MCS’ Lance Lerio led the counterattack by penetrating through the lanes with the support of Jard Terlaje and Gregorio Perez, but due to turnovers and missed shots, they gradually fell behind, 16-25.
MCS’ Jacob Wesley and Lerio delivered much needed buckets in the first few minutes of the second half, but after a timeout, SSHS switched to a full-court press to regain the momentum.
SSHS swarmed MCS’ ball handlers, forcing several turnovers once again and capitalizing on the other end with Carl Enriquez, Angel Olaes, Kian Helgen and Rasg Andon chipping in a bucket each.
At times, however, SSHS played too rough, which led to unsportsmanlike conduct and personal fouls that sent MCS to the free throw line. But despite scoring eight charity points, MCS failed to close the distance and had to accept defeat, 30-40.
Also earning debut wins were Kagman High School, which blew past Saipan International School, 48-24; and Marianas High School, which trounced Agape Christian School, 43-22.
