Two Marianas High School defenders extend for the block against the attempted spike of Agape Christian School’s David Zhao during the boys high school division championship game of the NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Volleyball League at the MHS gym on April 29, 2023. MHS won the title.
ALTHOUGH the boys high school division of the NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Volleyball League has already concluded, the action will continue with an all-star game at the Agape Christian School gym this Saturday to showcase the best talents from each of the participating schools.
Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association board member Shawn Davis said the all-star game will recognize the islands’ young and exceptional volleyball players.
“These student athletes are full of talent, sportsmanship, and make an impact as leaders to their peers,” Davis said. “NMIVA and the team coaches have worked together to have an all-star game…with participation from each team….”
Davis added, “As we support these students in their demonstration of athleticism, we would like to thank Marianas High School and Agape Christian School for working with us in providing an avenue to train. We would also like to acknowledge the coaches, referees and technical officials who have given their time to support the implementation of the all-star program.”
During the first week of May, coaches from each team were asked to submit their top four setters and liberos to be entered onto a ballot. The ballot was then sent out to all the coaches who voted for the top four setters and liberos, Davis said.
Additionally, each team coach was asked to submit the names of three of their top players with no specific category restriction.
The following young men were selected as representatives:
SIS — Omari Joab, Will Sosa, Daniel Nam, Kyle Kramer
SSHS — Jin Tao, Franz Abadilla, Vince Guilas, Jiahao Chen
Agape — Bill Li, Caleb Cui, David Zhao, Allen Luo, Hudson Tan
GCA — Sui Yi, Kyle Moon, Jasper Hall, Jiahao Yang, Akira Ota
MCS — Earle “Gabby” San Nicolas, Brandon Lee, Minsoo Kwon
MHS — Jerome Marzon, Dylan Mister, Mokyang Kim, John Justo, Lowell Lumauag
Kagman — Anthony Kubo, Patricio Blas
Rota — Landen Atalig, Brylle Reyel, Rainier Ruiz
Davis said two all-star teams were formed from these players.
“This is to highlight the skills that exist on each team beyond the 1st and 2nd place teams at the end of the season,” Davis said. “The selected players have trained with a cast of coaches for a period of six training sessions totaling 14 hours. The practices have given the players an opportunity to pursue their potential and reach a higher level of competition. These players will showcase their skills in three-out-of-five set matches at the ACS gym on May 20 at 10 a.m.”
Davis said NMIVA is planning to extend the program beyond the boys high school division. “We are planning on implementing this program each year with the girls high school division as well,” David added.
As of now, the all-star program is focused on high school athletes. “We would like to use the program to inspire the younger players to learn and improve as they aspire to become a part of the all-star program when they reach high school,” Davis said.
