Lae men take fifth straight title

Marshall Islands Basketball Federation President Sherwood Tibon, left, and member at large Robert Pinho, right, accept a check from Bank of Marshall Islands President and CEO Patrick Chen and BOMI Executive Secretary Marilyn Harry for the BOMI 18th Ralik Ratak Shootout Basketball Tournament. BOMI is the major sponsor for the basketball showcase tourney. Photo: Hilary Hosia.
Marshall Islands Basketball Federation President Sherwood Tibon, left, and member at large Robert Pinho, right, accept a check from Bank of Marshall Islands President and CEO Patrick Chen and BOMI Executive Secretary Marilyn Harry for the BOMI 18th Ralik Ratak Shootout Basketball Tournament. BOMI is the major sponsor for the basketball showcase tourney. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

Team Lae men continued their reign as the top team in the RMI with their fifth consecutive championship in the BOMI 18th Ralik Ratak Shootout Basketball Tournament that wrapped up Saturday in Majuro. Lae knocked off the strong Kwajalein team that had breezed through pool play undefeated, setting up a showdown match.

But the drama of last year’s championship game, when Lae squeaked by Kwajalein 76-75, was not there Saturday. Lae ran away with the win, 92-69, to secure its fifth consecutive title.

Meanwhile, in the women’s bracket, Team Lae successfully defended its 2017 title, becoming a two-time champion with a 63-55 defeat of Team Aur. For both this year and last, Team Lae women has been undefeated.

BOMI representative Arlington Tibon was on hand to present cash awards and trophies to the teams Saturday night at the SSG Solomon Sam Sports Court.

Read more about this in the October 12, 2018 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.