G ROLLERS claimed the championship of the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation 2025 U15 Basketball League on Friday night after pulling off a come-from-behind win to stun Prospect 01, 54-51, at the Koblerville gym.
The first half showcased the defensive capabilities of both teams.
In the opening quarter, G Rollers dominated the boards, with James Matsumoto pulling down several rebounds that denied Prospect 01 any second-chance opportunities and held them to just three points.
Offensively, Matsumoto was also a threat, scoring six points while teammates Even Cabrera and Keanu Silva delivered a bucket each to give their team the lead, 9-3.
The tables quickly turned, however, as Prospect 01 took over the role as the aggressors, defensively shutting down G Rollers, who could only score four points in the second period.
Prospect 01 exploded on the offensive end, with Joey Mostales leading the charge in the first five minutes, while Logan Daniel scored 10 points to push their lead to double digits, 26-13.
In the third quarter, G Rollers tried to close the distance with Matsumoto connecting back-to-back triples from the corner while teammate Enzo Sasamoto scored another bucket from the same spot.
But Prospect 01 had an answer for every shot with Daniel delivering eight consecutive points while Liam Wilson and Jairus Pangelinan drained a three-pointer each to maintain the lead, 42-36.
However, Prospect 01 gradually lost their touch in the final quarter.
G Rollers’ full-court pressure worked in their favor as Sasamoto orchestrated a defensive approach highlighted by steals and six crucial points. With Danny Defang feeding teammates James Matsumoto and Payton Basa several assists, G Rollers retained the lead.
Prospect 01 held on for dear life but failed to convert the triple needed to force overtime, ultimately falling to G Rollers, 54-51.
Scores:
G Rollers 54 – James Matsumoto 21, Enzo Sasamoto 19, Peyton Basa 4, Danny Defang 3, James Enriquez 2, Keanu Silva 4, Evan Cabrera 1
Prospect 01 51 – Logan Daniel 19, Joey Mostales 9, Liam Wilson 9, Jairus Pangelinan 7, Jacob Santos 4, Keith Agulto 2, Leon Duenas 1
G Rollers pose with the championship trophy of the NMIBF 2025 U15 Basketball League after defeating Prospect 01 at the Koblerville gym on Friday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr
G Rollers’ James Matsumoto takes the three-point shot during the championship game of the NMIBF 2025 U15 Basketball League at the Koblerville gym on Friday.
G Rollers’ James Enriquez finishes strong at the rim during the championship game of the NMIBF 2025 U15 Basketball League at the Koblerville gym on Friday.
