17-TEAM TOURNEY SPOTLIGHTS WOMEN’S HOOPS

PRESS RELEASE – The 2024 Fall Women’s Friendship Tournament sponsored by TOGHE Foundation successfully wrapped up a weekend that featured 39 games and 17 teams across three age divisions.

The games were a peek into the future of Guam women’s basketball and a showcase of talent that will be gearing up for international play later next year. 

In a tough tournament that forced teams to compete in 4-6 games in three days, it became survival of the fittest to see who would walk away with the coveted crown. When the dust settled at Astumbo Gym, it was the Stingrays, Cougars Club and Team 5 emerged from the melee to walk away with trophies and gift cards from Ross and Infusion coffee shop. 

In the middle school division, the Stingrays survived a late rally from the Island Wolves Blue. The Stingrays jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start off the game thanks to solid defense, scoring quick buckets in transition. But the Wolves got it together and slowed the game to make it a 12-9 game at the half. The two teams continued to battle back and forth. While the Wolves pushed, the Stingrays were able to hold on and take the 21-20 victory and the title. 

In the women’s open championship, Team Slay was unable to overcome the post play of Mia San Nicolas and the sharp shooting of Joylyn Pangilinan. Team 5 cruised to a 30-point win for the ship. 

In the high school division, the Cougars edged past the Warriors for third. The Cougars led by Maria Paulino pulled away in the second half to take home the trophy.

The tournament was a prelude for the high school teams that showed up. Their season is expected to start this month or early next month. 

The all-female tournament was sponsored by Guam Behavioral, Infusion, Dededo Mayors Office, and Tohge Foundation. The event was aimed at spreading awareness about mental health and substance abuse issues. The organization aims to provide services for those in recovery and those seeking to rebuild their lives.

“It was great to see an all-girls friendship tournament put together. It was especially rewarding in supporting the alternative environment platform (basketball) in hopes of having a positive impact in our community,” said Eric Canovas, a peer mentor with Toghe, emphasizing the organization’s role towards the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

He credited Guam Behavioural Health and Wellness Center with giving the organization the opportunity to offer alternate choices to the island’s youth. 

For the clubs, the all-female tournament was much welcomed and offered another opportunity for mentorship from the more experienced athletes.

“It was great to see how many teams and supporters came out to the tournament,” said Team 5’s Elysia Perez, who is also an assistant coach for the U15 junior national team and a member of the women’s national team. “Basketball on Guam is huge, but it’s not always easy to get an interest in women’s basketball, so to have an all-female tournament that highlights the skills and talent of any age is great and lots of fun.”

She also thanked TOGHE for their support in promoting the sport.

Island Wolves coach Len Aguon put two middle school girls’ teams in the tournament, and he said he was happy with the turnout of the tournament. 

“Thank you to TOGHE and all involved in making this all-female tournament a success,” Aguon said. “We strongly believe that middle school players, most especially, will benefit and grow from experiences such as this.”