GUAM CLAIMS DOUBLE GOLD IN MAJURO

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The first part of their mission is complete. Team Guam swept the gold medals in the 3×3 basketball event at the 10th Micornesian Games in the Marshall Islands. Both men’s and women’s teams went undefeated in pool play and each team won their gold medal matches to bring in the first pieces of hardware for Guam. 

The women’s team composed of Alura Hernandez, Jia Peters, Elysia Perez and Mia San Nicolas were first up in their gold medal match against Nauru. The ladies were aggressive on offense and defense to get the job done with a 21-5 victory.

The men’s team, composed of Blaise Ada, Mark Johnson, Michael Sakazaki and Leon Shimizu, was next to take the court. The team took on Palau in the gold medal match. The Palau team had former JFK guard Jerry Ngiraremiang as a familiar foe.

Guam’s youngest team member, Ada, saved his best game for last, hitting long-distance shots to make quick work of Palau with a 21-8 victory.

The teams will receive their medals next week during the official ceremony.

Women’s team get the job done
Co-team captain San Nicolas said it was an honor to share the court with her teammates. “This win was a team effort! Each of us fulfilled our roles, played with heart, and did what was needed to get the job done,” said San Nicolas.

It was a total team effort indeed, with each member playing a major role in both offense and defense. Team Guam had an advantage on both size and speed, and the game was quick in a first to 21 points format.

Men’s team mission complete
“Our 3×3 team’s goal coming into this tournament is playing for the name in front of our jerseys. Playing for our island, family, and friends, and playing for each other,” said Sakazaki.

“I’m extremely proud of our rookies (Blaise and Leon) as they truly stepped up and were composed the entire time. For veterans like Mark and I, this one is truly sweet as we just came off a gold medal in the Solomon Islands and can add to our experiences together. “

All eight players greeted their 5×5 teammates who had arrived in Majuro shortly after their gold medal match. Now, the focus on accomplishing the second goal of the Games – defending the team gold.

Little time to celebrate for Team Guam, they start 5×5 pool play with the women’s team playing against Palau and the men’s team taking on Kiribati on Tuesday.