TEAM Elite’s Chioni Dela Cruz and Sophia Althea/Cafe Meraki’s Dane Tibayan were named the Finals MVP during an awards ceremony at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
In the open division of the 2nd Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club – Saipan MagaHaga Lady Eagles Group Basketball Tournament, Team Elite nearly suffered defeat during their thrilling championship game against Unity Trade, but thanks to the stellar shooting performance of Choini Dela Cruz, they emerged victorious, 77-73, claiming the championship trophy for the second consecutive year.
Throughout the finale, Dela Cruz was a constant threat from beyond the arc as he fired four three-pointers in the first half and remained consistent in the second half, adding two more to lead his team to victory with 27 points.
Sharing the spotlight was Dane Tibayan who aided Sophia Althea/Cafe Meraki in claiming the U17 championship title against Triple R Auto Parts, 101-67.
Although Sophia Althea/Cafe Meraki’s roster was filled with potential candidates, the all-around performance of Tibayan was what separated him from the rest as he led the scoreboard with 27 points.
Other awardees
Other individual and team awards were handed out on Sunday.
In the open division, the Mythical Five were Douglas Schmidt and Rodel Pastrana as Best Guards, Coby Santos and Marvin Rabauliman as Best Forwards, and Juan Camacho as Best Center.
Schmidt was also recognized for his consistent performance throughout the tournament and was named the Season MVP.
The Best Coach Award was handed to Elite’s player/coach Jack Aranda while Villaroyal Pawnshop received the Sportsmanship Award.
In the U17 division, Tibayan made it to the Mythical Five along with Heman Addy as Best Guards, Christian Lucero and Danny Defang as Best Forwards, and Carl Sanchez as Best Center.
Lucero won the Season MVP Award while the Best Coach Award went to Sophia Althea/Cafe Meraki’s Elmer Esdrelon.
Ol’Aces received the Sportsmanship Award.
In his closing remarks, Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club President Moises Tagle said, “It’s a privilege to stand before you as we conclude the basketball league. I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished. Thank you to the players for your dedication and countless hours of practice and hard work that have truly paid off. Your passion for the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship has made the league exceptional.”
Tagle added, “As we close this chapter, we must remember that this league is more than just basketball but about building a stronger community, fostering teamwork and inspiring groups both on and off the court. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this league successful. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.”
The Mythical Five in the open division of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament pose for a group photo with SMEC officials during the awards ceremony at the Ada gym on Sunday.
The Mythical Five in the U17 division of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament pose for a group photo with SMLEG officials during the awards ceremony at the Ada gym on Sunday.
U17 Finals MVP Dane Tibayan poses with SMLEG officials during the awards ceremony of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club President Moises Tagle delivers his closing remarks.
