Marianas High School’s Elijah Ye pulls up for a three-point shot during a game against Mount Carmel School in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMIBA Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
MARIANAS and Kagman high schools are one step closer to a shot at the boys’ high school division title of the PSS-NMIBF Interscholastic Basketball League SY24-25 after triumphing over their respective opponents in the playoff games at the Marianas High School gym.
MHS, which powered past Agape Christian School 63-30, demonstrated their superiority in skill right from the start, with each player contributing to a double-digit lead.
Dane Tibayan ignited the team’s offensive run by connecting on the first shot, while Carl Sanchez kept the momentum going with back-to-back finishes at the rim. They were just as effective on the defensive end, forcing Agape Christian School to commit countless turnovers and take heavily contested shots, which MHS turned into easy fast-break finishes to extend the deficit.
Although ACS’ Raffy Cai and Caleb Cui were able to fight through the constant pressure applied by MHS, they still lacked the firepower. Meanwhile, MHS’ Kenny Laquian found his confidence, finishing the first half with eight points to give his team a commanding 28-14 lead.
In the second half, ACS started to put up a fight, with Daniel Yang, Danny Cheng, and Jack Shen each contributing a bucket alongside Cui and Cai. However, they were still outshined by MHS, as Rusty Santos, Nolan Cultura, and Jayvan Johnny led the charge to a 63-30 victory.
KHS vs Tinian
Sharing a similar story was Kagman High School, which trounced Tinian Jr./Sr. High School, 45-25.
In the other playoff games, which were held at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, Mount Carmel School defeated Saipan International School while Saipan Southern High School bested Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School to fill the remaining spots in the quarterfinals of the winner’s bracket.
The championship game will be held 5 p.m. today, Friday, at the Ada gym.
