The Olympians with Mannix Ortega
Maturity in the game of basketball is something that is experienced and in due time nurtured so that when the time comes the wisdom gathered will be used wisely. That is what the veterans of the STI College Olympians Seniors basketball team gained in their trip to San Fernando La Union - that their maturity in the game of basketball is in full bloom. This year, the Olympians will be led by four veterans namely last year's NAASCU Mythical 5 member, Forward Jerald Bautista, athletic guard Norman Ihalas, defensive stopper Bryan Daguplo and wily center Maclean Sabellina.
Norman on the drive
Daguplo, Ihalas and Sabellina are the only three remaining Olympians who were part of the 2008 team that went to the NAASCU Finals. Ihalas was suppose to be a part of the 2007 team, he made it to San Fernando La Union that year to bond with the other Olympians but eventually went back to Cagayan de Oro. He eventually rejoined the Olympians the year after and is now one of the steady influences of the team in and out of the court.
Jerald Bautista for two
Bautista on the other hand was suppose to be a member also of that 2007 team but opted to take his chances with an NCAA team. Unfortunately, he did not get the break from that team he joined and eventually found himself back in the STI line up. Last year, he was the only Olympian in the Mythical 5 of the NAASCU. This year his offense will be the focal point of the Olympians campaign.
Henri explodes to the basket
Bryan Daguplo on the other hand is the soft spoken leader of the team. He plays good defense, can nail the three pointer if needed and can also mix it up inside. STI is already his second tour of duty in manila since he went back to Cagayan de Oro after his first stint with a Metro Manila based University did not go the way he wanted it to be, this time he is wiser and more calculating.
Keno surveys the field
Finally, the youngest of the veterans is an agile center who can shoot from the three point region, can block shots, rebound and play superb defense. He is the Olympian's star in the waiting - Maclean Sabellina. Sabellina played college ball fore the STI College Cagayan de Oro basketball team back in CDO. After being spotted by Coach Vic Ycasiano, Sabellina fit in the STI team rightaway. He is counted on to give 100% on defense and his best in offense. As I mentioned, he is one of the players we believe can hopefully make it to the PBA.
Abby Chavez drives to the hoop
These four veterans were all instrumental in leading the team to a 85 - 82 win against the veteran San Fernando local team which happens to be a team funded by La Union Board Member Mannix Ortega. This veteran team gave the Olympians a rough time scoring and a harder time defending them as elbows and sprawling bodies were seen whenever an Olympian would aspire to score. Luckily no one was badly hurt.
RK Morales calling a play
The home team led at the half behind the impeccable shooting of forward Melvin Fontanilla who combined with Mannix Ortega to secure a 46 - 40 halftime lead. But, like a nightmare that seldom goes away, the Olympians pummelled the La Union team to submission to take the lead for good after three quarters 65 - 62. The Olympians showed poise in the fourth quarter and was not intimidated by the rough housing they got from their veteran opponents. The win thus avenged the team's loss to the same team in 2007 - the year the Olympians went all the way to win the NAASCU crown.
Cedric drives to the basket
There was a different feeling for the Olympians basketball team. Although they were leading at the start of the third quarter, the Olympians showed that they are strong as individuals but exceptional as a team. Their tenacity on defense and ability to recover after botched plays showed their maturity. Eventually the other players served notice by helping out add some points. JC Po added 10 points while the others had their fare share in nailing a three pointer and making a basket inside the paint. This game is a gauge on how the Olympians can withstand the bumps and bruises of going up against a tough team. Now we can say that the Olympians are ready for the NAASCU wars.
Cedric is challenged
Box Scores:
STI COLLEGE (85)
Ihalas 16, Po 10, Daguplo 8, Ablaza 8, Labrador 8, Alcantara 7, Bocablo 7, Melano 6, Bautista 5, Gabo 5, Morales 2, Moreno 2, Sabellina 0, Henri 0, Chavez 0, Villadoz 0,
THINK GOD (82)
M. Ortega 16, Fontanilla 14, Sison 10, Casugay 9, Cummings 7, Javier 6, Salazar 5, Lete 3, Pulido 2, Dulusin 2, Aquino 2, P. Ortega 0,
Quarterscores: 18 - 18, 40 - 46, 65 - 62, 85 - 82
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