By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
AFTER many years, Saipan Southern High School has finally earned its place on the boys high school division perpetual trophy, edging long-time rival Marianas High School, 58–53, in the championship game at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Friday night to cap an undefeated run in the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY 2025–26.
The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with supporters creating a deafening backdrop as the league’s top two teams went head-to-head for the championship.
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced start.
Defending champion MHS leaned on the scoring of Dane Tibayan in the first half, as he led the offense with 15 points. However, he could not carry the load alone against a balanced SSHS squad. Led by Onick Ragbonshe, Matthew Peters, Dany Defang, and Kian Helgen, SSHS executed well on both ends, exploiting gaps in the defense to take a 32–28 lead at halftime.
With neither team able to pull away, the second half turned into a tactical battle.
SSHS appeared to seize control early, as Heman Addy returned to the starting lineup and delivered strong finishes at the rim, stretching the lead to as much as eight points. MHS responded with tighter defense, forcing turnovers and igniting transition opportunities behind Tibayan and Marc Tengco, who drew fouls and converted several and-one plays.
Despite MHS’ efforts to rally, SSHS remained composed and never relinquished the lead. Helgen continued to pose a scoring threat from inside and beyond the arc, while Peters capitalized on second-chance opportunities with multiple putbacks to maintain a seven-point cushion.
In the closing minutes, a three-pointer by Tibayan brought MHS within striking distance. However, MHS was unable to convert on key possessions down the stretch, while SSHS sealed the game with clutch baskets from Peters and Helgen to secure the 58–53 victory.
When the final buzzer sounded, celebrations erupted from the SSHS bench and its supporters, marking a long-awaited championship.
“This is one of the best feelings in the world,” said SSHS head coach Charlie Peters, who took over midway through last season. “We came close last year and lost by two points. I told the boys we’d be back, and they came back with vengeance and heart — they pulled it off.”
Peters credited the team’s improvement to conditioning and mindset.
“Stamina and heart,” he said. “Last year, we were gassed in the third and fourth quarters. This year, we emphasized conditioning so we could execute our plays all game.”
Despite the perfect season, Peters said the team approached every game with focus.
“I told the boys to stay calm, stay positive, and pick each other up. If you make a mistake, get it back — and they did that 100%,” he said.
SSHS is expected to remain competitive despite graduating nine seniors, with its junior varsity team also completing an undefeated season.
Peters dedicated the win to the players’ families, the school, assistant coach Eduardo Ginto, and his wife, SSHS Vice Principal Arisa Peters.
The SSHS roster includes Heman Addy, Dany Defang, Jaydan Defang, Jonald Gutierrez, Kian Helgen, Theo Joab, James Matsumoto, Joey Mostales, Jezper Navarro, Gregory Ngotel, Niko Paul, Matthew Peters, Onick Ragbonshe, Arce Sangalang, and Jared Villagomez.
Kagman High School placed third after falling to MHS in the semifinals.
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.
