Tagoloan cage buffs simply want for more

THAT they really put on a show was an understatement.

In a prelude to a planned hosting of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL), the booming town of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental brought in former pro and reigning PBA-Developmental League MVP Eloy Poligrates to reinforce Tagoloan Community College (TCC) in an exhibition match with Ifixit-Cagayan de Misamis Eagles Club at the Tagoloan Dome, over the weekend.

The results?

A sizable crowd was entertained that much that they're wanting for more.

Tagoloan's "adopted son" in 6-foot-8 Pape Alpha, a Senegal native who is only 16 years old, contributed much to a fun-filled Friday night as he played with a lot of energy and dunking prowess in the company of Poligrates, whose fancy playmaking and dazzling moves on the floor also gained him local admirers.

As expected in a battle between youth and experience, the youth-laden TCC side waxed hot early dominating the half and even padding the lead to 15, 70-55 in third quarter mainly highlighted by Poligrates' acrobatic moves and step-back treys ala James Hardin and, of course, Alpha's powerful dunks.

But entering the pay-off period, the more experienced Ifixit hoopsters start to gain ground with LJ Aquino, Jun Daanoy, Lee Van Orig, Joel Sollano and Paul Villar combining a bucket of 3-pointers en route to a 122-115 reversal.

"The TCC boys were quite good offensive-wise. Kulang lang gyod nga ma-train sila defensively kay maoy kulang kaayo sa ila. We could have won that match pero lu-ag kaayo ang depensa they allowed so many 3-point baskets. Still, na enjoy kaayo ko sa dula the crowd is very supportive and appreciative," later said Poligrates.

"I understand the kids' feelings all they want is to just play and have some fun. Dako ilang respeto sa mga manoy nga mga maayong laki sab gyod sa Cagayan de Oro. Bilib sab ko sa crowd mga bright na kaayo sa mga moves nga extra ordinary ila gyod taboon sa ka bibo," added Poligrates' "kababayan" in Camotes, Cebu and now Tagoloan sports coordinator Van Halen Parmis.

The Tagoloan Police Station, spearheaded by Police Captain Langala and Police Lieutenant Raiz, also relied on outside sniping to overcome the challenge of Tagoloan local government unit in the preliminary game.

Parmis told SunStar Cagayan de Oro that Tagoloan sports program is heading for something substantial and quality enough for youth development with the all-out support of Mayor Gomer Sabio.

"Mayor Sabio is very into sports development since adtong Kapitan pa siya sa Natumolan. The friendly invitational games every Friday is just sort of testing the water as we're planning to hold the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Tagoloan Dome. We're just waiting for confirmation sa Manila," Parmis said.

Also comprising the fledgling Tagoloan Community College (TCC) are Collin Rivera, Kent Dinglasa, Marc Leo Lim, Khenji Abad, John Ryan Panugaling, Daven James Sabio, Joshua Recto, Sandric Bahala, Louis Sevilla, Daniel Ruiz, Arvin Laroza, Mark Louie Perez, Jhon Mark Duran, Andrew Acero, Christian Rey Sabio, team manager Kharen Ungab, head coach Rene Pastrana and assistant coaches Dave Ociones and Maher Eduave.

Completing the Ifixit-CDMEC Eagles cast were Elmour del Puerto, Arvin Monterona, Bryan Remoto, Junel Pingos, Rocky Sanchez, Jun Pardillo, Waway Arocha and team owners Aram Abengoza and Yogi Hembrador.

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