By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
TANAPAG Middle School’s varsity squad remains one of the dominant teams in the girls middle school division of the PSS-NMIBF IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY25-26 after collecting its second straight win against Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, 20-12, on Friday, April 10, at the Marianas High School gym.
The scoring remained consistent for TMS V. The height of Aaleyah Fatialofa was their biggest advantage as she repeatedly attacked the rim and also disrupted shots on the defensive end. While she controlled the paint, Rhiana Macalinao added another scoring threat, contributing four points to help establish control of the pace.
Although TMS V was dominant, FMS was not fazed and continued to fight back with a strong defensive effort. With each stop, they created scoring opportunities that Marina Masga and Baylyn Mansfield converted to keep them within reach at halftime, 10-5.
Despite FMS’ efforts, they could not match the production of TMS V. Even with Macalinao quiet in the second stretch, Haley Robert led the offensive attack with six points, while Fatialofa continued to dominate the paint with four more points to keep the team in control. For FMS, only Mansfield managed to score late, but the team lacked additional support and eventually fell, 20-12.
HMS V powers past MCS
Hopwood Middle School’s varsity team joined the winner’s circle after outhustling Mount Carmel School to earn its first win of the season.
The game began as a tactical back-and-forth contest in the opening half. HMS V emphasized teamwork, with Hayven Moteisou and Anica Aquino orchestrating the offense, while Cinarae Martino, Maria Enriquez, and Aubyguel Castro provided support to extend the lead.
On the other end, MCS responded with grit, led by Aleiyah Tarkong, who scored six consecutive points, and Jamara Cabrera-Sablan, who added a three-pointer to cut the deficit to single digits, 19-12.
The second half, however, belonged to HMS V. With tightened defense, they limited MCS to just nine points, while HMS V continued its offensive rhythm. Moteisou and Aquino led the charge with eight and nine points, respectively, as HMS V pulled away for a 36-21 victory.
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.
