MOUNT Carmel School, Saipan Southern High School and Grace Christian Academy bagged their debut wins as they defeated their respective opponents in the girls high school division of the IT&E Interscholastic Basketball League Monday at the Marianas High School gym.
It was a nail-biting first game for Mount Carmel School as they went into overtime before edging Marianas High School, 27-25.
Both teams played as equals from start to finish with neither able to gain a big lead.
In the first half, MHS’ Marielle Lopez and Kina Rangamar showcased their ability to finish at the rim. Lopez opened up the scoreboard with a triple and added four more points while Rangamar delivered two buckets.
MCS fought back inside the paint led by Mia Abuan who scored five points — three coming from the free-throw line — while the rest of the team chipping in as they trailed by just one point at halftime, 13-14.
The second half saw several exchanges with MHS’ Rangamar picking up where she left off as she scored six points.
But MCS fought back with unselfish plays led by Abuan, Chealzka Navarro and Erin Frink who scored a total of eight points to force the extra period, 23-23.
During overtime, MCS rode the momentum as their teamwork and communication worked well in their favor. Their ball movement created shot opportunities that allowed Valerie Estella and Navarro to connect two crucial buckets en route to victory, 27-25.
SSHS vs ACS
Against Agape Christian School, Saipan Southern High School emerged victorious, 26-24.
SSHS had three-point shooters at their disposal with Yasmeen Younis scoring a pair of triples and Kathyryn Sablan also delivering behind the arc.
Despite the bombardment, ACS fought back thanks to Sunny Wang and Eunice Xu who kept the deficit within a one-possession distance 10-13.
ACS continued to have an answer for every shot SSHS made, but with little time left, Agape was forced to foul in order to stop the clock.
SSHS, however, shot a high percentage from the charity line to run away with the win, 26-24.
GCA vs KHS
Grace Christian Academy also earned their first win of the season with a dominant performance against Kagman High School, 55-25.
GCA center Azriel Fatialofa took over the spotlight by scoring 45 points to carry her team to an easy victory.
GCA’s Azriel Fatialofa fights off defenders as she secures the loose ball during a high school girls division game of the ITE& Interscholastic Basketball League Monday at the MHS gym.
