AIMING to establish one of the finest ballclubs in Cagayan de Oro, veteran pointguard Fernando "Nandy" Abapo has successfully organized the first Summer Basketball League over at Barangay 23's open court.
Supported by the sports-loving Bendisula brothers, Rey and King, the Summer League produced the veterans-laden Caliber as the inaugural champion of the four-team tourney under the financial backing of the now thriving Magic Underarm Whitening Deo Cream.
"Patsada kini among liga kay ang mga players sigurado humot ang mga ilok kay libre sa Magic Cream," said the former barangay chair Abapo in half jest.
Turning seriously, Kapitan Abapo said organizing the league and guiding Caliber 40 into a championship finish is not an easy job.
Against the youthful Team Carmen in their best-of-3 final series, the Caliber 40 -- behind the explosive troika of Abapo, Cardo Caduyac and Kagawad Janjan Arcaya -- crawled back from 18-point third quarter deficit en route to winning the opener.
Without Caduyac, who threw a send-off party for his son Khen bound for LPU-NCAA basketball in Manila, the undermanned Caliber still managed to prevail in Game 2 for the title win.
King Bendisula's Team Magic meanwhile won over Barangay 23 in the battle for third place.
"This is just a start. We're planning to bring the Magic Cream-backed league to the different barangays in the city. Of course, naay commercial side pero ang importante nga atong liga makatabang sa sports development sa mga kabatan-onan," said Abapo.
Team Caliber got the P7,000 top purse plus trophy. Team Carmen and King's Magic received P5,000 and P3,000 each for finishing second and third, respectively.
Composing the triumphant Caliber Team C are Henry Cay-as, Jonathan Fabre, Nando Abapo, Baltazar Villaganas, Cardo Caduyac, Greg Cubillan, Lolong Cabeltes, Michael Sabayton, Janjan Arcaya, Dodolf Eslapor, Merlito Felizabia Jr., Jimboy Abrena and Ely "James" Dakoykoy' Galleros.
Runner-up Team Carmen are made up of Terrence Simbajon, Ian Khu, Mark Anthony Daming, Mark Castolo, Kendrick dela Cruz, Al Lucagbo, Ian Rey Ladra, Tots Seniel, Tagun, Abrena J., Royce, Abasa, Diaz.
Comprising 2nd runner-up King's Magic are Reylan Bendisula, Angelito Abapo, JR Abapo, Jimmy Abapo, Al Rusdy Bara, Gerard Hinaut, Charl Dominic Malolot, Tutod Sulidom, Marlou Vocal, Namoc, Cagampang, Rolando Bendisula Jr., JM Mendez, Francisco Cabugnasan, Ariel Abapo, Michael Macalla, Jerome Ayuman, Darryl Nuyda and Stev Panaz.
Fourth-placer are the Barangay 23 hoopsters of Palacio K., Arnel Estaño, Palacio CJ, Rodel Jinayon, Rafael Brendez, Jboy Pajaron, Joel Palarca, Wilfredo Saamo, Paul Vincent Bibat, Ryan Dacio, Kapitan Mario Balsarza and Mark Lester Dagoc.