FMS JV’s John Rebuenog protects the ball as two HMS JV defenders apply pressure during a boys middle school division game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League Wednesday at the MHS gym.
HMS JV’s Tyrese Monkeya drives past a defender during a boys middle school division game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League Wednesday at the MHS gym.
HOPWOOD Middle School’s junior varsity team came out on top in a nail-biting game against Francisco M. Sablan Middle School’s junior varsity team, 28-26, in the boys middle school division of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League Wednesday at the Marianas High School gym.
It was a championship-like match highlighted by several lead exchanges throughout the game.
HMS JV played as the aggressor in the first half thanks to point guard Lizama who orchestrated the offense by scoring seven points, including a bucket from behind the three-point line while team mate Tyrese Monkeya joined the highlight reel with an and-one play.
While HMS JV relied on a two-man game, FMS JV answered with teamwork. Jon Rebuenog, Gavin Rogolifoi, Kelvin John and Dezmon Camacho chipped in a bucket each as their team trailed by just one point by the end of the first half, 9-8.
In the second half, FMS JV tweaked their defensive strategy to reduce Lizama and Monkeya’s output, but team mates Ktu Louis and Evan Cabrera stepped up and kept FMS JV afloat.
It came down to the wire as FMS JV’s Keith Agulto connected a clutch shot to grab a hold of the lead with just a minute left on the clock, 26-24.
However, HMS JV’s Lizama and Cabrera continued to press forward and drew separate fouls, splitting their free throw attempts to tie the game, 26-26.
With a few seconds left on the clock, FMS JV failed to deliver on their end while HMS JV was saved by Monkeya who secured his own missed shot and converted his second-chance attempt to clinch victory, 28-26.
Other games
Joining the winner’s circle were Chacha Oceanview Middle School which defeated HMS V, 22-17; Saipan International School which demolished Tanapag Middle School V, 66-13; and FMS V which powered past Mount Carmel School V, 35-21.
