NCAA Season 91: Mahinay, Tagala come up with big plays for SBC Red Cubs, SBC 80, Mapua 63

29 June, 2015

Monday,

2 p.m.,

FilOil-Flying V Arena,

San Juan

There are new kids on the block, and the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs were in for a big fight with them around last Monday, June 28.

Germy Mahinay and Joshua Tagala spearhead the Red Cubs’ effort to turn back the Mapua Red Robins, 80-63.

They were among the most productive as the Red Cubs went on take the lead in the start of 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

(Germy Mahinay (12) tries to keep defenders Eugene Camilos(4) and Jasper Salenga(11) from getting the ball. John Lagumen(19) provides help).

Six-foot-six Germy Mahinay came up with aggressive plays under the boards.

Two ex-Red Cubs, Joshua Caracut and Norrish Decapia were around to cheer them on, and watched as Mahinay and  teammate Joshua Tagala shot 13 points, but Mahinay stood out with eight big rebounds,

“In-encourage po ako ng mga teammates para maging ganun ang laro ko, at ng mga coaches,” remarked Mahinay after the game, and after he has cooled down and rested at the dugout.

(Joshua Tagala in a rebound play).

Mahinay, a 10th grader who hails from Sison, Pangasinan, took credit for baskets which allowed Taytay-based Red Cubs to move away.

His putback in the last 1:08 of the first period to handed the Red Cubs a seven-point lead in the first period, 17-10.

“Pangit ang laro ko nung una, pero nung dumating ang second, nakakumpiyansa na ako,” said Mahinay.

(Sam Abuhijle (16) finds himself in a rough spot with Jasper Salenga (11) and Romuel Junsay (18).

In the second quarter, Tagala’s drives allowed the Red Cubs to stay in front by 13, 28-15.

The Red Cubs are now in for their biggest mission since making it to the Palarong Pambansa secondary basketball semifinals under the Calabarzon banner.

The guys reached the semifinals of the 21^st Fr, Martin Summer Cup.

(Alberto Bordeus tries to screen Mapua’s Jasper Salenga(11)).

This also gave them start in their quest of a record sixth straight crown.

“This is a good sign for us. Game 1 namin, at Mapua pa. Malaya pa naman at marami pang puedeng mangyari,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

It was the Red Cubs first triumph over the Red Robins since they last met and beat Mapua in Game 3 of their best-of-three finals showdown last year.

(Mapua’s Michael Enriquez (9) tries to get two San Beda defenders, Mahinay (12) and Ry de la Rosa(11).

Ryan Nelle hit 7 point, including three treys in the remaining 7:06 of the second period, and this allowed the Red Cubs to take a 24-12 spread.

Another triple from Pedro Alfaro followed by Mahinay’s attack from inside the paint gave San Beda at 17-point spread, 36-19, before halftime.

Sam Abuhijle had 11 points, and was also dominant with six rebounds.

(Romuel Junsay(18) lays up off Ryan Nelle(10)).

His two charities with 5:43 to go kept San Beda ahead, 50-35.

Romuel Junsay shot 19 points for the Red Robins before he hurt his right knee in the third. Michael Enriquez and Jasper Salenga had 16 apiece.

The Red Cubs went on the share the early lead with the Arellano Braves.

(Germy Mahinay).

Ira Bataller tallied 14 points and towed four teammates who scored in double digits for the Braves, who smothered the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 103-34.

The Braves held the Light Bombers to just 10 points in the second period and went on to post a 45-10 halftime lead.

“Maraming bagong player sa amin. Pinaghandaan naming ito,” said Braves coach Tylon Darjuan on their triumph over JRU, which is still grieving over the death of one of the cagers CJ Servillon last summer.

(Joshua Tagala).

The scores:

First game

San Beda 80- Tagala 13, Mahinay 13, Abuhijle 11, Lagumen 10, Bordeus 8, Alfaro 8, Nelle 7, dela Rosa 5, Velasquez 3, Etrata 2, Barbero 0, Nayve 0, Bonalos 0
Mapua 63- Junsay 19, Enriquez 16, Salenga 16, Concepcion 4, Yco 4, Velvez 2, Bonifacio 2, Camilos 0, Badillo 0, Garcia 0, Uson 0
Quarterscores: 17-12; 36-28; 62-49; 80-63

Second game

Second Game (jrs)
Arellano U 103- Bataller 14, Sunga 12, Abadeza 11, Fornis 11, dela Torre 10, Calapine 8, Espiritu 8, Bontao 7, Velasco 5, Tamayo 5, de Leon 4, Dularte 4, Torrejos 2, Danas 2, Canete 0
Jose Rizal 34- Sta. Maria 13, Teirra 8, Baliad 7, Macompas 2, Carreon 2, Nazareno 2, Sicat 0, Tan 0
Quarterscores: 22-4; 45-10; 76-24; 103-34

NCAA Season 91: Coach Chot Reyes, the San Beda Red Lions, Ice Reyes and the coming season 91 cage wars

23 June 2015,

Tuesday,

1 p.m.,

Lobby,

Green Sun Hotel,

Makati City

Chot Reyes has just emerged from the elevator, and was having a conversation with scribes after the launch of “Rise,” which is a first ever reality documentary and basketball development program supported by Nike.

The current  head of Sports5, TV5’s sports division, was having a conversation with me and Spin.ph editor-in-chief Dodo Catacutan as we were about to leave the building.

(Chot Reyes during the launch of “Rise” with Nike Philippine country marketing manager Patrick Reyes (center) and Jimmy Alapag).- Photo taken by me.

While Mr. Catacutan was asking about the current national under-23 basketball team which just won the Southeast Asian Games gold medal, I had other things in mind.

(Coach Chot Reyes watches the San Beda Red Lions in action during the finals of the recent FilOil-Flying V cagefest)- photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

His son Isaiah Gilbert “Ice” Reyes was on my mind.

You see Ice just made it to team A of the San Beda Red Lions.

(The San Beda Red Lions celebrated winning the 2015 FilOil-Flying V crown. Ice Reyes (12) is in the photo).photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

And he will see action in the coming season 91 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament, which gets going this Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Chot expressed his happiness about the development.

(Last season’s batch of Red Lions with former coach Boyet Fernandez).

“This is a testimony of his hard work and patience. He made it to Team A on his final year. I congratulate him,” remarked Chot before he entered a waiting vehicle at the driveway.

After answering some queries made by Mr. Catacutan, he describes Ice’s game more as a defensive player, and not as a shooter.

(Olaide Adeogun (10) in a possession battle with La Salle’s Jason Perkins)-photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

“He’s not a shooter. He’s more of a defensive player like his mother,” said Chot, who used to coach the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national team.

Ice’s entry into the Red Lions’ comes following a two-year wait, and after making his debut in an off-season cagefest, 11th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup cagefest, in 2013.

(Nichole Sorela(16) harasses the ball carrier from La Salle, Jeron Teng))-photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

(Ice’s first game be read here: https://pektuscorner.wordpress.com/2013/08/11/the-fr-martin-cup-notes-from-the-upper-box-part-3-chot-reyes-and-son-ice-fighting-two-different-battles/).

Unfortunately, as the San Beda Red Lions meets host Mapua in the opener at 1 p.m. , Chot won’t be able to have the pleasure of watching Ice play his first game with Team A.

Not like in past games when he was in team B, and in high school when Ice was still the Jamike Jarin-coached Ateneo Blue Eaglets.

This Saturday, Chot will be  in Dagupan with Jimmy Alapag for the start of the “Rise” program, and he will actively taking part in the tryouts.

(Roldan Sara (left) tries to dribble past Thomas Torres).photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

And hopefully, that will be the only game he will miss.

During the six-week program, 12 male and 12 female players will be chosen, and the selected the athletes will try out the latest product innovations, as well as have access to professional training through coaches and athletes.

• Ice Reyes’ new journey with the Red Lions

As Ice joins the team, the reigning five-time champion San Beda College Red Lions will be raring to go for another crown in the coming season.

“If I rate it, we’re 70 percent ready,” said new coach Jamike Jarin, who added that he has an almost intact roster in Season 91.

(Roldan Sara falls during a possessiob battle with La Salle’s Jeron Teng).photo courtesy of FilOil-Flying V Facebook account.

The Red Lions are returning with the core of Art Dela Cruz, Ola Adeogun, and the country’s best pure point guard, Baser Amer still in the mix.

And their presence is expected to boost the Red Lions’ bid for a record-breaking attempt to claim six championships in a row.

The Big Three of Mendiola are said to be  responsible for 52.2% of the team’s output, with Adeogun averaging16.1 points and  11.5 rebounds.

He is one of only five players who average on double-double last year.

Adeogun has done a lot  for a Red Lions team that has surprisingly shot only 25% in field goals compared to previous seasons.

On the other hand, de la Cruz was efficient when he shot 46% and hauled down 9.4 rebounds an outing.

Their efforts provided support to a struggling Amer, who hit only at a 35.8% clip overall.

The team will make adjustments with the loss of Anthony Semerad who shot a blistering 41% in field goals.

Kyle Pascual, who got a championship for every year he played, has also graduated and will be leaving a big question mark as to who will give Adeogun a breather but still produce in short bursts.

There are four players from team B will most likely be tapped to fill in vacancies in the roster of the Red Lions.

Six-foot-six Donald Pierre Tankoua, a Cameroonian big man, will be among the four cagers whom Jarin is considering to elevate from team B to Team A, and play for the squad.

Tankoua, who spent a lot of time developing his game in Team B over the last two year, is being eyed to come aboard.

There’s  wingmen Amiel Soberano, Jeremer Cabanag, Jose Presbiterio, and another guard, which is Ice Reyes.

Cabanag is from Laguna, and Presbiterio comes from Ateneo de Davao.

All four have been lined up in the Red Lions’ games in pre-season tournaments, and because of this, the team is almost ready for action.

Jarin said he can’t accept members of the six-peat junior champion San Beda Red Cubs yet because they need time to develop their game.

“It would be better if they get matured in their games first before I take them in,” he explained.

Some of the Red Cubs have left elsewhere, with key player Andrei Caracut moving to the La Salle Green Archers.

Teammates Evan Furaque and Norrish Decapia are with the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, and the likes of Marc Joper Diputado is trying his luck with the National University Bulldogs.

    

NCAA Season 91: Schedule of the basketball games

Season 91 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is about to the start with the basketball games.

A pair of explosive matches is on tap this Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

First is a game between San Beda and host Mapua at 1 p.m. Next is a showdown between Arellano University and  Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m.

The Lions, coached by new mentor Jamike Jarin, come into the season seeking their sixth straight crown.

On the other hand, the Mapua Cardinals are expected to be a much improved team from last year, now that Atoy Co is on his second year as coach.

The Arellano Chiefs, laden with veterans, come into the fight with confidence, and after nearly making it to the semifinals of the 21st Fr. Martin Summer Cup.

JRU is also confident, after having won the Summer Cup crown.

Here’s the rest of the schedule:

The 21st Fr. Martin Summer Cup finals: Clemente’s great game, the NU Bullpups’ title conquest and the SBC Red Cubs

17 June 2015,

Wednesday,

11:30 a.m.,

Arellano University gymnasium,

Legarda,

Manila

John Lloyd Clemente is slowly but surely coming out of the shadows with his game.

Last season,  Mark Dyke was the dominant big man of the National University Bullpups.

Dyke was the go-to guy underneath when the Bullpups fought for the championship honors of the 77^th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) junior basketball tournament.

(The victorious NU Bullpups get their trophy from commissioner Robert de la Rosa).

Having graduated from high school last March, coach Jeff Napa looked for and found not one, but two fitting replacements.

And that’s Clemente and Justine Baltazar, who controlled the boards and helped power the NU Bullpups last Wednesday, June 16, to the junior division crown of the 21st Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

In that game, Clemente took charge with 17 points while point guard Daniel Atienza made 15 points for the NU Bullpups, who turned back San Beda-A, 71-56, in the winner-take-all finals at the Arellano University gymnasium in Legarda, Manila.

(John Clemente dribbling the ball).

“Teamwork po lahat ito,” said Clemente, a grade 10 student after the game.

The Bullpups broke free from the Red Cubs grip midway in the second period.

Atienza, who had 15 points, led the attack, including two charities in the last 1:06 which gave NU a 32-26 advantage.

(John Lloyd Clemente tries to drive past San Beda Red Cub Pedro Alfaro).

They then took a 12-point lead in the last 6:58 of the third canto, and off Karl Penano’s charities.

“It was in our team defense where the team got its confidence. Finally, in the third quarter, the team’s real game came out,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.

A triple from Niel Tolentino, and Atienza’s perimeter attack then saw the Bullpups moving away further, 47-32, with 4:46 left.

((Red Sam Abuhijle getting harassed).

In the end, the  Bullpups, who kept their records clean  with a 10-game sweep.

First, the Bullpups, who kept their records clean in Group A by sweeping their seven-game assignment.

They then  outplayed the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, 93-60, with Dave Camaso showing the way with 16 points in the quarterfinals.

(Karl Penano (4) gets in the way of Jeremy Mahinay (12)).

In the semifinals, Clemente drilled in 18 points, and Paul Manalang chipped in 16 to help NU get past the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 79-65.

It’s still a long way to go before season 78 comes around. But Napa believes that the team has time enough to get ready.

“Medyo bitin pa. But, still we got the preseason title,” he said.

(Addie Velasco grabbing possession).

The scores:

First game (jrs)

NU 71- Clemente 17, Atienza 15, Baltazar 12, Penano 12, Careng 8, Tolentino 2, Callejo 1, Amsali 1, Jugar 0.

San Beda-A 56- Velasquez 13, Nelle 9, Bordeos 8, Mahinay 6, Abuhijle 5, Lagumen 4, Nayve 2, Tagala 2.

Quarterscores: 18-12, 33-26, 53-41, 71-56.

(Daniel Atienza takes a free throw).

Sportswriter’s Notebook: CJ Servillon’s best game ever, a tribute to the fallen

26 May  2015,

Tuesday,

9 p.m.,

Highway Hills,

Mandaluyong City

I remembered watching the late Carl Jimwell ‘CJ’ Servillon play his first game with the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

That was two years ago.

I told CJ’s mom, Azon,  when I came to his funeral at their family residence on May 26, in Mandaluyong City.

(CJ Servillon an numerous trophies from interbarangay tournaments he joined in his neighborhood). Photo courtesy of his Facebook account.

He was just 15 years old.

And it was the opening game of the 11th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament.

Azon, CJ’s mom, said she got scared watching that game.

(Former JRU Light Darious Estrella and last year’s batch)- photo courtesy of Estrella’s FB account.

CJ hurt his knee in the final minutes, and he needed a week before he can recover, and as doctors provided by the school took care of his injury, and helped him recover.

“Hindi na siya masyadong nakapaglaro pagkatapos, at paglampas ng isang linggong recovery,” said Azon.

CJ stayed in Team B for the next 2 years while the best of the JRU Light Bombers were selected for Team A and to play in season 89 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

(Darious Estrella, JRU Light Bomber no. 19, tries to stop Mapua’s Dennel Aguirre from scoring during their season 90 NCAA junior basketball Final Four encounter).

CJ, whose father Jun is a tricycle driver, and is survived mom Azon, and sister KatKat, was eventuall considered for team A for  season 91.

But tragedy struck first while he was seeing action for the team in the 2015 FilOil-Flying cagefest.

(what happened in that game is reported in Reuben Terrado’s article in Spin.ph, http://www.spin.ph/basketball/news/jru-high-school-player-cj-servillion-filoil-preseason-light-bombers, and through my article at http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/05/26/jru-jr-cager-dies-after-collapsing/).

-Throwback 2013: CJ scores big for big for JRU Light Bombers.

On July 13, 2013, Servillon led the Light Bombers with 18 points as they won over St. Joseph College-Bulacan, 73-72.

His teammates Patrick Anonuevo had 16 and Dexter Deloria had 11.

This  happened in the first game of their campaign in the 11th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College-Mendiola campus in Mendiola.

Everything that took place in the overtime period of the game, I was able to take note off.

It can be viewed in the link: https://pektuscorner.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/the-fr-martin-cup-notes-from-the-upper-box-part-2-walk-in-player-lifts-jru-light-bombers-to-victory/.

An excerpt from that blog article noted the Servillon’s contributions in overtime. Here it is:

“The Bulacenos moved ahead for the last time on a split charity from Rosal, and after JRU’s Carlos Servillon bungled his two charity tries.

It would have been a heartbreaking loss for the Light Bombers. But Deloria came in from the right side, and sank a long jumper as the buzzer sounded.

It was bedlam for the Light Bombers as they later erupted in unexpected celebration.

The 15-year old Deloria, a sophomore,  is one player whom Gregorio hardly knows.”

As season 91 comes around next week, the JRU Light Bombers will begin their campaign with memories of CJ in their hearts and mind all season.

A moment of silence will hopefully be offered him in their opening game by officials of the NCAA.

Sonething that organizers of the FilOil-Flying V cagefest  may have  not been able to do in his behalf days after the incident.