By Shania Bulala
As the final whistle blows for the 2024-2025 season of high school sports in Guam, it marks not only the end of a remarkable year but also the culmination of countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears by a remarkable group of student-athletes. The Class of 2025 has left a legacy in both the ISA and IIAAG leagues. While we bid farewell to this group of seniors, fans should set their sights on the rising stars from the Class of 2026.
First Quarter
Football
The Father Duenas Friars continued their football dominance, capturing their ninth consecutive championship title behind a deep and experienced senior class consisting of 25 graduating players. Some key forces that are part of the graduating class include Isaiha Arriola, Trey Blas, Jaron Meno, Tristan Burgos and Christian Manglona.
Looking ahead, GW Geckos Rayn Rios, who was named MVP for both offense and defense, will definitely be the player to watch next year. This could the best shot at knocking off the Friars as a host of incoming seniors will help Rios: Justin Sablan, Seth Dumanal, Jayce Dela Cruz and others.
Girls Volleyball
Academy Cougar Ariana Cruz finished her senior year in style, earning the IIAAG MVP and leading the Cougars to both a league title and a Far East championship.
On the ISA side, the JFK Islanders bid farewell to Aika Kanekatsu, a dominant middle blocker and an All-Island First Team pick. Expect the leagues to combine next season.
Returning standouts include Neisha Chen (Eagles), a powerful outside hitter, and ISA MVP Lyra Mugol (Sharks), who will aim to elevate her team once again.
Cross Country
JFK’s Kaito Sakaguchi closed out his senior year as the All-Island Male Champion, setting the pace all season long and earning respect across the league.
On the girls side, GW’s Gwenizah Barcinas is focused on redemption for her upcoming senior year. After an unprecedented finish at the All-Island Meet, she looks to return stronger than ever.
Second Quarter
Girls Basketball
This season marked the return of a unified league, merging public and private schools for the first time in five years. Standout seniors like Franchesca Aguilar (Islanders) and Maria Paulino (Cougars), both All-Island First Team guards, will be greatly missed.
The St. John’s Knights, led by back-to-back MVP Jia Peters and Amara Del Carmen, return with their full championship roster and are poised for another strong title run. Other star incoming seniors are Maddy Ada (Cougars), Sazzy Quintanilla (Warriors), Jaelyn Han (Islanders) and Keiviann Susuico (Dolphins).
Baseball
The league bids farewell to FD Friars’ Ayden Aguon (First Team catcher) and Kaiden Weakley (First Team pitcher), both committed to play for the Big Bend Vikings Baseball (BBCC) program in Washington.
League MVP Tiyan Titans’ Peter Concepcion will return next season after a stellar year at shortstop this year.
Boys Soccer
For the first combined league since 2019, Harvest Eagles graduating senior Josiah Jones earned MVP honors as a standout goalkeeper. Jones will continue his soccer career at the collegiate level as he committed to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina.
League champion FD loses Beau Perez, David Del Carmen and Ian Dickson to graduation. Midfielder Sean Halehale is expected to fill some big shoes and anchor the squad’s 2026 roster.
Wrestling
The Friars, winners of nine straight, loses a host of grapplers with the same names of the football and rugby teams.
Tiyan Titans’ Christian Valencia finished his high school wrestling career on top, going 16–0 in the 138 lbs WC and earning his third gold medal. His undefeated senior season capped off one of the most decorated for the Titans program. GW’s Rayn Rios looks to continue his dominance on the mats come his senior season.
Next year, eyes will be on Notre Dame Royals’ Alieah Garrido, who also had a perfect season in the 107 lbs WC. She’s expected to return even stronger as she looks to defend her title and stay undefeated.
Third Quarter
Softball
Guam High Panthers Brinnlyn Hardt capped off her high school career as the league MVP. While she suited up for the GW Geckos due to roster shortages at her home school, her impact remained prominent regardless of the jersey.
League champion Cougars lose five starters who all made First Team All-Island: Zaeyah Tajalle, Tisha Mann, Aniyah Benavente, Olivia Camacho and Giniah-Jo Sarmiento all walked down graduation aisle. They will rely on Kaia Chiguina and Sadie Guerrero to keep the winning tradition going.
Boys Basketball
FD Friars graduating senior Noah Tenorio dominated this season, earning league MVP while leading his team to a perfect season and third straight title. After high school, Tenorio has committed to playing basketball for Penn State Hazleton.
Other seniors who stood out this season include Jude Lopez (Bulldogs), who is a force in the post, and the Madrazo twins, Jordan and Josiah (Islanders), known for their on-court chemistry and backcourt dominance.
Next year, GW Geckos guard Jace Dela Cruz is expected to step up to the leadership role for the Geckos. Meanwhile, for the defending champs, guard Colin Baker looks to lead the Friars in the upcoming year in hopes of extending the dynasty.
Rugby
This year’s rugby season saw powerhouse performances from some of the island’s top senior athletes. Doriana Penaflor (Sharks) had a spectacular season, capping off her high school career as league MVP.
Lola Rosario (Cougars) leaves a lasting legacy as a 2x All-Island scrum half, 2x champion, and four-year captain. She will continue her rugby career at Wheeling University.
On the boys side, the future looks bright for the GW Geckos as league MVP Rayn Rios will still be returning for his senior year.
Fourth Quarter
Track & Field
The Guam High Panthers continued their track and field dominance this season, once again asserting themselves as the team to beat. However, they’ll face a major shift next year with the graduation of top point scorer and hurdler Jayden Jackson.
Also departing are standout seniors Jan Almoite (Sharks) and Alex Na (Islanders). In the All-Island Meet, Almoite made podium finishes in the hurdle events, and Na took 4/4 gold medals in the short sprints and jumps.
As the baton passes to the incoming seniors, a new wave of talent is ready to shine. Hayden Buck (Panthers), along with Gwenizah Barcinas and Hazel Wilson (Geckos), are standout athletes to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams in the upcoming season.
Boys Volleyball
Notre Dame Royals senior middle blocker Timothy Gumataotao closed out his high school career leading the All-Island listing by earning league MVP. His presence at the net, both offensively and defensively, made him one of the most dominant players in the league. The Harvest Eagles had probably their best shot at the crown in years, but they fell short. They are losing Devin Paulin, Jack Keith and Jacob Ji.
The 7-time champion FD Friars did not have a single player on the All-Island First Team. They lose David Del Carmen, but Incoming senior Saul Bamba will lead the charge for yet another run at the title. The Royals will still have Davyn Paet and Takoda Piper.
Girls Soccer
Academy’s Hinnegi San Nicolas and Maria Paulino closed out their high school careers on a high note, both earning All-Island First Team selections.
Looking ahead, the 5-time champion JFK Islanders are expected to be strong contenders once again, led by a core group of returning seniors: Aubrey Ibanez, Orung Santos and Jaelyn Han. Harvest will also be in the title conversation, with upcoming seniors Hayden Thompson and Caden Miller.
The Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy built on excellence, and now the torch passes to the group of seniors. With rising stars ready to shine, the future of high school sports looks brighter than ever.
