THE Consolacion Sarok Weavers try to kick their title defense into high gear as they take on the Davao Occidental Dreamers in the 2022 Cocolife Pilipinas Super League 21U Visayas Leg on July 7, 2022 at the Toledo City Sports Complex.

This match—set for 6 p.m.—is the second of a double-header with the opening salvo featuring the San Fernando Buffalos and the returning Bukidnon Cowboys tipping off at 4 p.m.

Consolacion, though, remains a title-favorite despite the absence of three key players——league MVP Patrick Montano, wily guard Neon Chavez, and Finals MVP Rojan Montemayor. This is because the team still boasts of a talented roster led by former Far Eastern University Tamaraw Matthew Flores, Froiland Maglasang, Paulo Dalumpines, and Keaton Taburnal, among others.

“Expect a smaller lineup compared to last season, but Consolacion basketball is still the same. We trust the system as always. Despite our short preparation, we are ready enough to play and compete again and win another title,” said Flores of his team, which went a perfect 7-0 in various tune-up matches in the lead-up to the tournament.

Consolacion assistant coach Paul Alelu Flores added that the initial adjustments to the absence of the aforementioned players were tough. However, with a little encouragement, the remaining players eventually got the hang of it.

“First day of practice was very challenging given the players that we lost accounted for more than 70 minutes. I told the players to step up in practices to fill those numbers in our tune-up games,” shared Flores, himself a former standout with FEU.

A total of 10 teams are competing in this tournament. Also vying for the crown are the Lapu-Lapu City ARQ Builders, Bogo City Bugoys, Asturias Corn Ranchers, Sealcor Kingfishers, OCCCI Jr. Sheermasters, and the Sherilin-Unisol Mandaue.

The event on Thursday will open with a ceremony that will feature numerous dignitaries led by the mayor of Toledo, Marjorie P. Perales. La Salle point guard Mur Prince Alao will also share a message with the players.