ROLLERS 1 and Airballers kicked off the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Corporation Basketball League by besting their respective opponents at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday.
In the U18 boys division, Rollers 1 defeated the Hardt Eye Raiders, 59-42.
Rollers 1’s Jake Regelado and Austin Diaz found their rhythm early, working together to score their team’s first 10 points, while Bruce Tasi and Lance Lerio took over in the remaining minutes, using their size and strength to finish strong inside.
On the other end, the Raiders emphasized teamwork, with Carl Sanchez attacking inside, while Christian Lucero and the rest of the team chipped in to help maintain a one-possession lead, 25-24.
In the second half, the momentum began to shift in favor of Rollers 1.
Kian Helgen, who had been quiet throughout the opening half, suddenly found his mojo, single-handedly taking over with 16 points. The Raiders tried to fight back, but without an effective defensive strategy, they couldn’t close the gap as Rollers 1 cruised to victory, 59-42.
Women’s division
In the women’s division, the Airballers tamed the Hurricanes, 47-35.
The opening half was led by Irish Pagarao of the Airballers, who scored 11 points, showcasing her speed and ability to finish at the rim. With the help of teammates Sage Wagner and Quina Flores, the team built a comfortable 26-20 lead.
The Hurricanes fought back with Rachel Langu and Mikki Kautz at the frontline, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t match the Airballers’ efficiency, who secured the win by double digits, 47-35.
Airballers’ Friendly Joy Pena drives past a defender during a women’s division game of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Corporation Basketball League at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Rollers 1’s Niko Paul extends for the left-handed finish during a U18 boys division game of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Corporation Basketball League at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
