By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
DEFENDING champion Marianas High School V edged out Kagman High School V, 30–28, in their PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY25-26 debut on Friday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The game began as a low-scoring affair, with both teams shaking off early-season rust.
MHS found success early through Marc Tengco and Elijah Ye, who led the charge with a series of mid-range buckets and quick finishes at the rim. Dane Tibayan and Tyler Omelau added crucial points to help build a nine-point cushion.
On the other end, KHS struggled to find their rhythm early, relying on Spencer Ngiraked and the height of Shahedur Rahman to stay within striking distance going into halftime, 23–14.
Kagman returned in the second half with a renewed defensive approach. Using full-court pressure, KHS nearly silenced MHS, allowing only seven points while forcing unforced errors and missed shots. Offensively, Rahman dominated inside the paint, finishing at the rim and drawing fouls, scoring 12 consecutive points to chip away at MHS’s lead.
As the game tightened, every possession became a battle. Fouls mounted, forcing MHS’s Ye and KHS’s Ngiraked and Rahman to sit out the remainder of the game.
The situation worked in MHS’s favor, allowing them to maintain a slight advantage and secure the 30–28 victory, their first of the season.
Other games
In other league action, Saipan Southern High School V dominated Saipan International School, 101–14, while Grace Christian Academy defeated Eucon International School, 33–28.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
