MANGILAO (Guam) – FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 All-Star Five have been named for the Men’s and Women’s Competitions with all countries contributing to the final line-ups.

The Men’s All-Star Five are, AJ Bisalen (Federated States of Micronesia), Joe Blas (Guam), Ben Borja II (Guam), Jerry Ngiraremiang (Palau) and Coby Santos (Northern Mariana Islands).

After a big final, Blas, Borja II and Ngiraremiang and were honoured to be recognised for the efforts after four big days of basketball.

“I came out here to play ball, it’s so good to be back and I’m just glad I can still keep up with these guys,” Ngiraremiang said.  “This is the best basketball we have played as a team, we had nothing to lose so it was a great experience for the future basketballers in Palau.”

Ben Borja II was humble and grateful to be named in the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 All-Star Five.  “I felt great representing our island in this tournament, after not playing in front of crowds for a few years, it’s just great to play with crowds, their energy is amazing.  It always means something, we all put in the work and its nice to have your work recognised, the whole team deserves to be in the All-Star five, but I’m definitely honoured.”

The Women’s All-Star Five are, Mia San Nicholas (Guam), Derin Stinnett (Guam), Kirsten Sugiyama (PLW), E’Anna Won (NMI) and Ky’Sonna Won (NMI).

In a rebuilding phase, the Won sisters from NMI were elated to be recognised as two of the top three players at the FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022.

E’Anna was thrilled to be named in the All-Star Five alongside her sister, “Being named part of the All-Star Five means a lot to me, and it makes it even more special that I was able to represent my island while doing so,” Won said.  “Saipan (NMI) will forever be my home. I wouldn’t have been able to perform at this level though without the support of my teammates, coaches, family, and of course hard work.”

Sister Ky’Sonna echoed her sister’s remarks.  “I feel like I've made all my family, friends, and the entire NMI proud.  I wouldn't have been able to do it without their constant love and support. Representing NMI means a lot to me because it’s my home.  I feel so fortunate that I was able to represent NMI and will never forget this experience.”

All finals games can be viewed on the FIBA YouTube Channel - Men's Competition and Women's Competition. 

The FIBA Micronesian Cup 2022 featured national teams from across Micronesia, with 16 games played across four days from June 8 to 11 in Mangilao, Guam.  The top team, Guam, has now qualified for the Solomon Islands Pacific Games 2023.