SAIPAN International School bagged the boys high school division title of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 on Saturday, after upsetting three-time defending champion Marianas High School, 3-2, in a five-set match at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The SIS team consisted of Casey Chambers, Omari Joab, Christian Newman, Dwight Crisostomo, Sui Yi, Ian Song, Kyle Kramer, Will Sosa, Charlie Wei Li, Daniel “DJ” Joab, and Moshe Sikkel.
SIS entered the finals with a one-set advantage after going through the playoffs undefeated while MHS, which was undefeated throughout the regular season, had to fight their way to the top.
In the second set of the championship game, which was packed with fans, MHS took on the role of the aggressor.
The MHS roster consisted of Kyle Sang Hyun Moon, Bernard Villagomez, Jerome Manzon, Noah Sangmin Lee, Jasper Hall, Denn Wilson Biscocho, Seth Balakrishna, KC Nuyles, and Rondelle Apostol.
They played their rotation effectively with well-timed blocks, sets, and spikes to win the set, 23-21,
In the next set, SIS returned with a vengeance, controlling the pace early with five unanswered possessions.
Although MHS gradually built momentum, SIS’ Joab brothers — Song and Sikkel — stood their ground with key blocks and spikes to secure the third-set win, 21-16.
However, MHS managed to turn the tables once again to win the fourth set, 21-17.
The final set had the entire gym standing — team members and spectators alike — as SIS and MHS delivered what their fans came to see.
SIS moved as one, with diving saves and devastating spike finishes worthy of the highlight reel, while MHS had answers of their own on the other end.
But as the dust settled, it was SIS left standing, finishing off MHS 15-9 to claim the boys high school division championship.
“It is a testament of hard work, perseverance, passion, commitment and discipline,” said SIS coach Naks Nakashima, referring to their victory.
When asked how did his team handle the pressure of the playoffs and the five-set championship game, he said, “They are incredible athletes. They kept a strong mindset, put in the time to practice, watched their diet and, most importantly, believed in themselves.”
He said “after the first defeat during the regular season, the boys were resilient and dug deeper from within. They blocked off their opponents and believed in themselves.”
Throughout the championship game, Nakashima said his players made adjustments to their tactical approach, staying mentally composed and trusting each other.
In the fifth set, he said he reminded the team of the end goal — to win a championship.
It was Nakashima’s first season at the helm of the SIS team — and likely not his last.
“I’m so proud of how well they played this season,” he said. “Their commitment to the team is invaluable. Thank you to Ada Gym and PSS for a great season. And to all the SIS staff, parents, family, friends, fans and community members that came out to support the players — you were all awesome,” Nakashima said.
He also thanked MHS “for a fiery match up,” adding that “the competitiveness on the court and camaraderie off the court made it a fun, eventful and memorable season! Let’s keep the ball flying, Marianas!”
Saipan International School players pose with the boys high school division championship trophy of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
SIS’ Sui Yi spikes the ball past MHS defenders during the boys high school championship game of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24–25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
MHS’ Denn Wilson winds up before attempting a spike during the championship game against SIS in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
SIS’ Joab reaches out for a block attempt against MHS in the boys high school division title match of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24–25 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
