MOUNT Carmel School earned the very first win in the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League-Girls High School Division after slipping past Saipan Southern High School 6-5 on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at the Marianas High School gym.
MCS seemed to have the first half under control as the Knights’ defensive efforts kept the SSHS Manta Rays from a clear way to the hoop.
The Knights showed finesse on offense as well with good ball movements. Point guard Kaia Travilla’s court vision created a scoring opportunity for Fiano Bucalig who gave MCS the lead, 3-0, thanks to one free throw and a made shot.
But SSHS returned from the halftime as a different team. The Manta Rays played more aggressively on the offensive end, and with smart spacing, her team mates found Yasmeen Younis behind the three-point line where she connected a much-needed bucket to tie the game with nine minutes left on the clock.
SSHS continued to take more shots with Jane Elias controlling the board, resulting in several rebounds and second-chance attempts. Unfortunately, the Manta Rays failed to score.
For her part, Travilla of MCS drained a short-range jumper to again give her team the lead 5-3.
But SSHS found an answer just a few seconds later, thanks to Elias’s putback from underneath the rim to even the score 5-5 with over a minute left on the clock.
Both teams continued to give it their all but the Manta Rays’ eagerness to steal came at a cost as they fouled Travilla who sank one of two free throws.
The Knights then prevented SSHS from scoring to win the game, 6-5.
Kaia Travilla of MCS secures the possession as SSHS defenders close in during the opening game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League-Girls High School on Wednesday at the MHS gym.
Jane Elias of SSHS protects the ball as she gathers for the layup against two MCS defenders during the opening game of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League-Girls High School on Wednesday at the MHS gym.
