COUGARS, FRIARS OWN KANTO CLASSIC

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Academy Cougars and the Father Duenas Friars celebrated victories in the girls and boys 7th Kanto Classic championships in Tokyo, Japan Saturday evening.

Guam schools were both in the championship game and took care of business in the second halves of their respective championship games to claim the championship.

Academy 44, ASIJ 11

The Cougars took the main court first and used their defense and quickness to grab an early lead. Their defense, which turned into fast break baskets, helped clear their bench in the fourth quarter.

Maddy Ada led the way 18 points, draining four 3-point baskets from downtown. “This was like a comeback for us. We came in second place on the island (GBC high school league). We wanted our redemption, so we just played our hardest out here,” said Ada.

Tournament MVP Maria-Jean Paulino had 11 points and a game-high six steals to anchor the defense. Gabby Hahn and Suri Sanchez scored seven and six points, respectively. The host school ASIJ scored just one point in the second half.

Coach Arleen Mad was glad her team got the championship after losing the championship game on Guam last month.

“It’s been an adjustment – for them and for me. I am fortunate that I have athletes who love the game as much as I do. Their hunger and fire to always push for more has made this season a success,” said Coach Mad.

Paulino and Ada were both named to the First Team All-Tournament selection.

FD 57, St Mary’s 39

The Friars led at halftime thanks to a big second quarter by Tristan Hahn. Tristan Hahn hit a three-pointer and an and-1 basket to seize momentum.

Noah Tenorio did work on both sides and scored six points as well in the second quarter to go up 22-17. David Del Carmen led the Friars in the second half as they pulled away for the victory. Del Carmen had 14 points to lead FD, Tenorio had 12 and a game-high 17 rebounds, and Tristan Hahn finished with 12 points. 

The Friars suffered a defeat in Pool play, a 46-44 defeat versus Kadena. The loss fueled the Friars during the elimination rounds.

“This tournament really showed that the things we have implemented and the hard work in practice and just the ability to trust and work together will pay off,” said Tenorio.

“We have a team that leans on each other. That’s our identity,” said FD head coach Eddie Pelkey.

“From 1 to 15, all of my teammates stepped up when needed. My teammates deserve all the credit by stepping up and overcoming adversity,” added Tenorio.

Tenorio was named Tournament MVP. He and Noah Cruz were named to the First Team All-Tournament squad.

The Friars also earned the Sportsmanship Award.

JFK Girls Fare Well

The JFK Islanders girls team also had a strong finish to the tournament, finishing in third place. The Islanders defeated Yokota 45-28 in the third place consolation game.

Mylie Navarro scored 16 points for JFK, Franchesca Aguilar chipped in 15. The Islanders lost to the Cougars in the semifinals earlier in the day 43-23.