HOPWOOD Middle School not only claimed the girls middle school division championship but also went undefeated in the PSS-IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 season.
The team capped off their perfect run with a dominant 31-19 victory over Tanapag Middle School in the championship game held Saturday morning at the Marianas High School gym.
What set Hopwood apart from the rest of the competition was their team chemistry, exemplified by Maria Enriquez, Alina Eskova, and Hayven Moteiso.
Enriquez orchestrated most of the offensive plays as the primary ball handler, showing her ability to finish at the rim by scoring four points in the opening minutes. Hopwood also shined on the defensive end, repeatedly disrupting TMS’s scoring opportunities with interceptions that led to fast-break points, thanks to Eskova and Moteiso, who each scored eight to help build a 20-4 lead.
TMS struggled to find the bottom of the net, with only Aaleyah Fatialofa able to break through Hopwood’s defense.
With Hopwood giving its bench players a taste of the action, TMS seized the opportunity to score led by Fatialofa with 10 points, supported by Elena Taisakan and Isabella Cruz. However, it wasn’t enough as Hopwood remained efficient, with Anica Aquino and Jayla Ayuyu contributing key points to secure a smooth path to victory, 31-19.
“First off, I want to thank God,” shared HMS co-coach DJ Taitano. “And I’m really thankful to the girls. They came out and they showed up to practice. They did what they were supposed to do in executing the games the same way that we do at practice.”
Taitano said what makes the team special is that nearly all the players will be returning next season, with only two eighth graders set to be promoted to high school.
As for their opponents, TMS, Taitano said they’re tough. “We always try not to take our opponents for granted. We remind our girls that, yes, you guys are good, but they got to stay humble.”
Hopwood Middle School players pose with the girls middle school division championship trophy of the PSS-IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 at the MHS gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Hopwood Middle School’s Anica Aquino takes a contested floater during the championship game against Tanapag Middle School.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Tanapag Middle School’s Aaleyah Fatialofa backs down against Hopwood Middle School’s Maria Enriquez.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
