GDOE Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez and Interscholastic Sports Coordinator Bobbi Quinata presented the trophy and championship banner to the Hawks after their victory. (photo courtesy guambasketball.com)
PRESS RELEASE – GTA 2013 GDOE-IIAAG Middle School Boys Basketball All Island Tournament ended its six
th year of post playoff games between participating public and private schools on March 30 at Tamuning Gym.
“It has been an exciting week for the teams and fans watching back to back games under one roof. The atmosphere in the gym was electrifying with each intense game played,” stated tournament coordinator Elsa Ulloa.
The tournament started with 12 teams and ended with two from GDOE’s league F.B. Leon Guerrero Hawks and Luis P. Untalan Wildcats. The Hawks never lost sight of the prize as they swept the tournament resulting in the coveted championship title after a victory against the Wildcats in the finals 48-41.
Although wins and losses took place throughout the week it came down to the kids learning and experiencing what to expect at the high school level of competition. “The excitement, anticipation, fans and pressure of performing on the court are part of the experience for players to expect as they move on to high school sports,” said Ulloa.
As expected the MVP and all tournament team were named at the conclusion of the championship game and will be watched by its followers as they play in their respective high school teams.
Wildcats Nathaniel Kyle Gaitan was voted tournament MVP who also earned the overall top scorer title with a total of 156 points averaging 19.50 per game.
All tournament team selected were Anthony Castro with the Hawks, Johnsey Hagel with Jose Rios MS Voyagers, Phil Jardeleeza with Oceanview MS Knights, John Arellano and Gaitan with the Wildcats.
Wildcats Nathaniel Kyle Gaitan was named MVP. All tournament team standing left to right are John Arellano with the Wildcats, Phil Jardeleeza with OMS Knights, Wildcats Nathaniel Kyle Gaitan, Hawks Anthony Castro and JRMS Voyagers Johnsey Hagel. (photo courtesy guambasketball.com)
“The support of its sponsors GTA, Bank of Guam, Aloha Maid, ASC Trust Corp, AM Insurance, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Circle K, 76 Station, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Guam Pacific Daily News, Triple J, Ernst & Young, TakeCare, JMI Edison, ACAS, Shimbros Music and the Office of the Mayor for Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon make this annual event a success for the kids,” stated Ulloa.
“Thank you for another great tournament, the kids had a great time and we will see you next year,” said Wildcats head coach Rowel Carreon.