TEAM Prime and Team Prospects finished first in their respective age group divisions of the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation’s Back 2 School 3×3 Bash, which concluded Sunday at the Koblerville gymnasium.
In the U17 division, Team Prime outgunned Team Rivals, 15-7.
Team Prime was a force to be reckoned with as all four players were major offensive threats.
Lance Lerio used his strength to muscle his way inside the paint and score the first three buckets for Team Prime.
On the opposing end, Team Rivals’ Bruce Tasi answered with back-to-back makes, but Team Prime’s Mikee Mercado and Kian Helgen responded with their own buckets while Lerio picked up where he left off with a two-pointer and another bucket to maintain a slight lead.
Team Rivals’ Phillip Rucik scored three consecutive points in an attempt to close the distance, but Team Prime continued to stretch the gap with JP Pineda sinking two shots to secure the win, 15-7.
U14 division
In the U14 division, Team Prospects (LeNMI) edged Team Saipan Sonic, 10-8.
It was an intense battle as both teams showed their hunger for the title.
What set the teams apart, however, was teamwork. While Team Saipan Sonic relied on Enzo Sasamot’s ability to finish at the rim, Team Prospects banked on each of its players to contribute to the cause.
It was Team Prospects’ Logan Daniel who scored crucial back-to-back shots to clinch the win, 10-8.
Turnout
Asked about the turnout for the event, NMIBF board member Marlene Lumabi said, “It went great. We had a good number of kids, and a lot of fans!”
NMIBF was impressed by the performances of each participating team, she added. “The U14 and U17 teams were very competitive. The kids can see that 3×3 has a lot to do with endurance, strength and stamina. So the team with those aspects came out victorious.”
Lumabi said they plan to hold a 3×3 tournament for the girls U18 or U23 divisions.
Team Prime’s Mikee Mercado attempts a drive along the baseline during a game in the U17 division of the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation’s Back 2 School 3×3 Bash, which concluded Sunday at the Koblerville gymnasium.
Team Prospects’ DJ Apatang backs down a defender in the paint during a U14 division game of the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation’s Back 2 School 3×3 Bash at the Koblerville gymnasium on Sunday.
Team Prime poses for a group photo.
Team Prospects poses for a group photo.
