MARIANAS High School won the boys high school division championship of the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 for the third consecutive time after edging Saipan Southern High School, 48-46, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday morning.
In the opening half, MHS, which had suffered its first loss of the season to SSHS, took total control with Carl Sanchez leading the frontline, scoring six points. With all eyes on him, his teammates seized the opportunity to score, as Elijah Ye and Webb Alano attacked the rim, contributing 10 and four points, respectively, to extend MHS’s lead to double digits.
SSHS’s Matthew Peters managed to find the bottom of the net, while teammate Jezpher Navarro closed the first half with back-to-back triples. However, SSHS struggled with accuracy, recording more misses than makes, and remained behind, 29-16.
In the second half, SSHS fought its way back into the game, fueled by back-to-back triples from Carl Enriquez and Heman Addy. Jezpher Navarro added six more points — three from the free-throw line and one from beyond the arc — chipping away at MHS’s lead.
However, with every shot that SSHS made, MHS had an answer on the other end.
MHS utilized nearly every player on its roster, with Joseph Pangelinan, Webb Alano, and Dereck Rangamar contributing buckets. Meanwhile, Elijah Ye and Kenny Laquian remained aggressive, firing at will and drawing fouls to keep MHS afloat.
In the final possessions of the game, SSHS’s Heman and Dany Defang tried to rally against MHS but fell short on time, eventually settling for a 48-46 defeat.
“It feels incredible seeing all the hard work they’ve put in pay off,” said MHS Coach Dan Wollak. Although it was a different team with more turnovers than last year, Wollak noted that every journey brings a new family of players, and that, regardless, he is proud of his team.
MHS had the chance to claim the title on Friday but lost in a nail-biting match against SSHS, setting the stage for Saturday’s game.
This time, Wollak said they decided not to let up on the gas pedal.
“We had the chance to win last night but we gave it to them [SSHS], which gave them more confidence. This time it was about the little things — winning loose balls and boxing out — just all the hustle plays,” Wollak said.
Each year, he added, SSHS has been a challenge. “They play hard and they play tough. My wife works there, so every time we play Southern, it’s special,” he said.
Marianas High School players pose with the boys high school division championship trophy and their medals during the awards ceremony of the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
MHS’ Elijah Ye takes an off-balanced shot as he gets fouled during the title game against SSHS in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
MHS’ Marc Tengco attempts a pocket pass during the title game against SSHS in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
