The MHS team members pose with the championship trophy of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY23-24 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
MHS’ Charlz Sanchez posts up against an SSHS defender during the boys high school division championship game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY23-24 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
MARIANAS High School successfully defended their title in the boys high school division of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League SY23-24 by trouncing Saipan Southern High School, 64-48, at the Ada gym on Saturday.
MHS’ ability to work together was their biggest strength as they established control both offensively and defensively.
Each MHS player on the court was a scoring threat. Khristian David ignited the run with the first two buckets while Charlz Sanchez and Aiden Suba joined the onslaught to grasp the lead.
SSHS tried to fight back but most of their attempts were denied due to the aggressive man-to-man defense of MHS, which led 35-25.
In the second half, MHS delivered with smart pocket passes as Sean Licayan joined the scoring spree with 10 points. SSHS aimed for a quick comeback with Jezpher Navarro and Rasg Andon sinking a couple of triples each, but MHS continued to score points, eventually securing the win and the championship, 64-48.
“It feels awesome. Two years ago, we came close to winning, and now it feels great to have a perfect season and run it back with these boys,” said MHS Coach Dan Wollak.
He said most of his players have been part of their program for multiple years, and after understanding offensive ball and player movements, have shifted their focus to defense.
“We really wanted to commit to man-to-man defense,” he added. “Most teams in the league play zone and we just wanted to be that team that plays man-to-man. Sometimes we go cold on offense, but defense never lets up.”
SSHS has proven to be a tough team, but Wollak said fully utilizing his full 15-man roster contributed to MHS’ win.
MHS recorded a perfect season — undefeated in the regular season and the playoffs.
