New era: SSHS drowns out MHS for basketball title

Saipan Southern High School ushered in a new era of boys’ high school basketball as they claimed a long-awaited title after many years, defeating three-time champions and formidable rivals Marianas High School, 58-53, in the finals of the 2025-2026 PSS-NMIBF-IT&E Boys High School Basketball League at a rocking Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Friday, Mar. 20.

The undefeated Manta Rays came back with a vengeance this season after falling short last year, with their offense led by Matthew Peters, Kian Helgen, and Heman Addy. From the tip-off, a barrage of fast breaks and accurate shooting left MHS in the dust just minutes into the game, forcing an early timeout.

The first half was all SSHS, as their fans energized the south side of the gym with every basket, but MHS caught up toward the end, led by Dane Tibayan’s hot streak of 15 points. However, SSHS maintained their lead for a 32-28 advantage heading into the second half.

The second half’s intensity outmatched the first, as MHS’ pursuit of a fourth straight title and SSHS’ bid for their first in years hung in the balance. Tibayan, Marc Tengco, and Peyton Basa tried to rally MHS and close the gap, but SSHS’ core and bench proved more consistent and accurate.

With the game tightening in the final minutes, it seemed MHS might turn the tide, but SSHS pulled away once more—fueled by their fans in the bleachers and their hunger for the trophy—with Helgen delivering the final two points to seal the victory and the championship for his school.

Helgen finished with 15 points, Peters racked up 13 markers, and Ragbonshe, Jezpher Navarro, Dany Defang, and Heman Addy finished with six apiece.

Kagman High School finished in third place after losing to MHS in the semis.

The SSHS roster consisted of Heman Addy, Dany Defang, Jaydan Defang, Jonald Gutierrez, Kian Helgen, Theo Joab, James Matsumoto, Joey Mostales, Jezpher Navarro, Gregory Ngotel, Niko Paul, Matthew Peters, Onick Ragbonshe, Arce Sangalang, and Jared Villagomez.

MHS was made up of Kyrell Caraig, Evan Cabrera, Dane Tibayan, Letrell Pelisamen, Peyton Basa, Josh Yorormad, Marc Tengco, ZongYao Huang, Franklin Eriich, Elijah Ye, Paul Lizama, Tyler Omelau, Mark Caponpon (JV Call Up), Hilario Palino (JV Call Up), and Joaquin Cruzana (JV Call Up).

Helgen, a senior and co-captain of the team for his part said, “winning today was such a great thing, it’s a great feeling, especially coming from all four years trying to get MHS. They've been the reigning champs since my freshman year, so it really feels great finishing up my senior year with the number one and getting that dub.”

As for his teammates, he said, “I know we all fought hard for this, we really wanted it. All it took was the passion and the grind—the grind to want it and the grind to get it, and we did that.” He then said that one of their teammates, Niko Paul, left for the states the day before their championships and said they fought hard to win for him. “Niko Paul, this is for you,” said Helgen.

For the rest of the team that will still be playing, he said, “I just want them to try and continue this. I think it’s about time Southern tries to get the four, three, two-peat, whatever. And I hope it’s our turn to shine, it’s been MHS for a bit, and I hope they can keep it coming.”

SSHS coach Charlie Peters said of their championship, ““This is one of the best feelings in the world.” After falling short of the title by just two points last season, he told the team that they will be back. And they did. “They came back with a vengeance—they came back with all the heart in the world and they pulled it off.”

With nine seniors graduating this school year, Peters said their junior varsity team is still solid that went undefeated as well. “I’m pretty confident that next year, we can repeat.”

He then thanked fellow coach Ed Guinto, the parents, the school, and his wife Arisa, the school’s vice principal.