MISSING almost half of coach Jong Uichico’s two-day Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) coaching seminar, female coach Catrina June Pong-Biongcog was aptly rewarded by her Corpus Christi Lady Knights who captured the secondary girls’ crown of the LGU-DepEd Grassroots Developmental Basketball Tournament in Cagayan de Oro.
Played recently at the city hall quadrangles, the Lady Knights leaned on a balanced offense and tight defensive stance to beat the Lady Cavaliers from Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS), 48-38 in just one of their many championship duels.
“Sayang wala gyod namo na-dissect ang tanan gitudlo sa SBP clinic ni coach Jong kay na-timing sa championship sa mga bata. But it’s worth the effort and sacrifices,” said Catrina, who always has her hubby Boning Biongcog as solid backup in her blossoming basketball journey.
Showing the tenacity that made Cagayan de Oro champion in last year’s Batang Pinoy National Finals secondary girls tourney in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the foursome of Alicia Margaret Villanueva, Razzyla Jane Lubrico, Xaniah Ebajay and Ma. Giordana Tagarda scattered 10, 9, 8 and 7 points each to overpower the opposition with Solis and Taborada adding 6 markers apiece.
The Lady Cavs got 14 and 11 points, respectively, from Alonah Danica Salcedo and Agad for their runner-up finish.
However, the boys from MOGCHS mentored by the promising Jayson Cagmat proved that winning the Misamis Oriental NBTC League in Tagoloan was no fluke.
The vast-improved Cavaliers nosed out the Assumption Montessori School (AMS) Jaguars, 62-58 to claim the LGU-DepEd tourney’s 17-under boys title.
“The AMS Jaguars of coach James Racines are one of the heavyweights in Oro inter-school basketball. The MOGCHS victory is a strong message to everyone nga ga-evolve na gyod ang basketball dili lang sa private but also sa public ga-level up na gyod sila,” said tournament overseer Raul Fuentes.
Christian Cagas turned as the biggest headache for AMS as he poured in 24 points to lead the triumphant MOGCHS with Novo, Barcelona, Barol and Insik all chipping in 9 points apiece.
The AMS Jaguars drew 16, 14 and 12 points each from Emmanuel Akut V1, Curaza and Japona.
In the battle for third place, the Lady Skyhawks of Indahag pummeled Villanueva NHS, 50-24 with Rizza Mae Salise, Diacor and Yanez all scoring in double-digit numbers.
This, as the CDO-NHS City High Tigers edged out the Merry Child School (MCS) Centurions, 69-67 with Emmanuel Ramirez, Tagocon and Guiao delivering 20, 18 and 16 points each to neutralize the 18-point production of Merry Child’s top gunner Mark Herro Amper.
The City Central Stingers of coach Jaypee Ralph Jumamoy and assistant coach Bethel Cueva earlier surprised the Corpus Christi Baby Knights of coach Carlo Dagalea, 59-56 for the elementary title.
The scores:
Finals: Secondary girls
Corpus Christi Lady Knights 48 -- Villanueva 10, Lubrico 9, Ebajay 8, Tagarda 7, Solis 6, Taborada 6, Valle 2, Saclot 0, Paurom 0, Cardonoz 0, Idulan 0.
MOGCHS Lady Cavaliers 38 -- Salcedo 14, Agad 11, Nalugon 6, Mosal 3, Juntilla 2, Pamplona 2, Mantal 0, Sy 0, Yanga 0Elim 0, Belmonte 0, Padilla 0, Gamutin 0, Clarida 0, Bernaldez 0.
Secondary boys
MOGCHS Cavaliers 62 -- Cagas 24, Novo 9, Barcelona 9, Barol 9, Insik 9, Butra 2, Baconga 0, Lligunas 0, Batangel 0, Vasquez 0, Acebes 0, Nalugon 0, Salomon 0.
AMS Jaguars 58 -- Akut 16, Curaza 14, Japona 12, Ostrea 7, Sanoria 7, Lacar 2, Dela Pena 0, Dagodog 0, Talleno 0, Delfin 0, Taal 0, Sagun 0, Gallardo 0, Magadan 0.
For third
Indahag Lady Skyhawks 50 -- Salise 16, Diacor 12, Yanez 10, Olano 6, Gonzaga 6.
Villanueva NHS Ladies 24 -- Jumawan 11, Acabo 5, Bongon 4, Hofilena 2, Maagad 2.
Secondary boys
CDO-NHS Tigers 69 -- Ramirez 20, Tagocon 18, Guiao 16, Herrera 8, Mangalili 4, Castulo 3.
Merry Child Centurions 67 -- Amper 18, Lugsanay 9, Cumba 9, Gaid 8, Bajuyo 7, De Guzman 6, Gabule 4, Yap 4, Guevarra 2.