AFTER capturing their first-ever championship in the National Prisaa secondary basketball tournament, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles have now set their sights on winning a third title in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa as they once again carry the banner for the Central Visayas Region.
The Magis Eagles under coach Rommel Rasmo have immediately returned to intense training following their recently concluded and successful campaign in the weeklong Prisaa competition held from May 8-15 in Bacolod.
This year’s Palarong Pambansa will be staged in Agusan del Sur from May 24-31. The grand opening ceremony will be held at the newly renovated Datu Lipus Makapandong D.O. Plaza Sports Complex.
For coach Rasmo, their National Prisaa triumph will serve as a huge morale boost for his players. However, he also acknowledged that they will face major challenges in the Palarong Pambansa.
The Magis Eagles, representing Central Visayas, have already won two Palarong Pambansa championships, in 2013 in Dumaguete and in 2023 in Marikina.
The athletic director of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, Jon Ralp Christopher Jiao Inot, also expressed pride in the achievement.
“I think the fact that the spotlight isn’t so much on our team this time, is actually a good thing. But one thing is for sure: when the team goes to Palaro, we won’t just be there to participate, we’ll be there to compete. One goal, one mission, one Magis,” said Inot.
In the National Prisaa finals, the Magis Eagles survived a huge scare from Western Visayas, represented by St. Robert's International College, 62-59, to rule the competition held in Bacolod last week.
“Honestly, we're really expecting a close fight because we know their capabilities, so it was a difficult game. So, hands off to coach John and St. Roberts,” said coach Rasmo.
The Magis Eagles were on top after Kent Basa calmly knocked down two pressure-packed free throws. 62-59, with six seconds left in the ballgame.
Not done yet, Basa also blocked the potential game-tying three-point attempt by Red Doronilla of Western Visayas just as the final buzzer sounded.
Despite a cold start, Basa finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Big man Jacob Lacson also dominated inside, tallying 13 points, including two three-pointers, along with eight rebounds.
He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Gabriel Gonzales also delivered an impressive performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
This marked their first title since they began representing Central Visayas in the National Prisaa in 2023.
They reached the finals in 2024 but lost to Sta. Ana in Legazpi City. Last year, they settled for third runner-up honors. (JBM)