THE Marianas International Basketball League’s YouTube series, Kings of the Game, is now online.
The first episode was posted last month while the second became available on Wednesday.
In episode one, MIBL presented the selection process, training sessions and actual matchups in bracket “A” which consisted of eight players.
Stephen Erdene and Richard McWilliams chase after the loose ball during a Kings of the Game event at the Agape Christian School gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan
Against Mak Mintac, Matt Duenas used his wide variety of attacks, slicing in and shooting from behind the three-point line to take the lead.
However, Mintac’s relentlessness and speed allowed him to catch up and even the score 11-11.
In overtime, he triumphed with a quick dribble, pushing through Duenas’s defense for a strong finish to advance to the next knockout round, 12-11.
In the second match, Preston Basa rained on Joe Sablan with his signature range, firing back-to-back three-pointers to take the win 13-7.
Douglas Schmidt also made it to the winner’s circle by outscoring Josh Andrew.
Andrew tried to take the action inside with countless drives but Schmidt’s quickness and range opened up more than enough shot opportunities that allowed him to clinch victory, 10-7.
Richard McWilliams protects the ball during a Kings of the Game event at the Agape Christian School gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
The last match of episode one was between Dean Blake and Darwin Barbo. The two forwards displayed their inside game but Blake’s consistency was too much for Barbo who lost in a 0-12 wipeout.
In episode two titled “Training Day,” the selected individuals participated in a circuit training at Latte Built conducted by gym owner Derek Cutting.
Cutting focused on endurance, agility and strength with tweaks appropriate to basketball players.
As for the matchups, Coby Santos went up against Jaymark de Guzman. It was a fierce battle as both players attacked the rim with every opportunity, but it was Santos who prevailed, 12-4, thanks to precision shots from beyond the arc.
In the other matches, Richard McWilliams bested Arnold Arrelano, 11-8, while Stephen Erdene overcame Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial, 10-6.
