SHARPSHOOTING BAKER COMMITS TO COLLEGIATE BALL

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Sharpshooter Colin Baker will be heading to New York this fall to play collegiate basketball for the Paul Smith’s College Bobcats. Surrounded by family, friends, teammates, and coaches, Baker signed his commitment letter during a ceremony held at the FD Phoenix Center Friday afternoon.

A soon-to-be graduate of Father Duenas Memorial School, Baker was recognized as the premier shooting guard in the ISA/IIAAG basketball league. He will compete in the Yankee Small College Conference under coaches Tim Lamay and Elden Proper. It is at the same competition level as NCAA DIII ball.

Baker’s standout high school career includes a basketball championship with the Friars and a 1st Team All-Island selection as a senior. He also gained international attention by scoring 61 points—including 15 three-pointers—at the 6th Dreamers International Challenge in the Philippines as a junior.

FD Principal Temo Perez praised Baker’s work ethic and academic performance. “He is one student that constantly asks me permission to open up the Phoenix Center so he can shoot,” joked Perez. “Colin works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the court. His academic achievements and good grades helped him earn his place in the National Honor Society.”

Reflecting on his time at FD, Baker said, “The FD program shaped me into the person I am today. This school has taught me far more than the game of basketball; I’ve learned life lessons that define who I am.”

Following his freshman year, Baker committed fully to the sport, traveling to the U.S. mainland for high-level AAU tournaments. His skills as a shooter and perimeter defender eventually earned him a spot on the Guam National Junior Team. Baker secured his collegiate spot after reaching out to several programs last year and maintaining active communication with the coaching staff at Paul Smith’s College.

In addition to basketball, Baker is prepared for the academic rigors of college, noting that the FD curriculum has equipped him for higher education. He intends to major in Accounting.

Colin is the son of Lynnwood and Laurel Baker of Barrigada, Guam.