AT least three of the locals’ five-team hoop entries, representing the Cagayan de Oro Higalas, made it to the finals of the Sinag Liga Asya’s Junior World Showcase in Mindanao now underway, today, July 11 at the USTP gym in Cagayan de Oro City.
The Mayor Rolando Uy-bankrolled CDO Higalas face the USA’s Webley and Davao’s Juggernaut Bererem in the morning’s first two games for the 13-under and 15-under levels, respectively.
This afternoon, the CDO Higalas’ 17-under hoopsters square off with the exciting Tumakbo USA quintet, followed by the privately-backed Toyland and J project tussle for the 19-under crown.
Capping the week-long hostilities on the rugged courts is the much-awaited championship bout between the Palaro rulers, donning Davao’s proud jersey, Max Ballers, against the United Legacy for the premier 21-under title at 5 pm after the slam dunk contest.
Badly hurt by sanctions and penalties are the Carmen Eco Warriors of Cagayan de Oro and their 21-under RAD team counterparts from Cebu City, which both failed to make the finals.
Right after figuring in an on-court brawl on the opening day, newly-installed City Information head Jade Adecer announced that four players from CDO Higalas, who contributed much for the flying kicks and punches, have been suspended effective immediately and banned from playing for the rest of the tournament, along with one player from Cebu who instigated the incident.
“It’s just okay to play physical in basketball, but with closed fists in a free-for-all, it’s a different story,” former FEU Tamaraws guard Anthony Pabillore told Gold Star Daily.
With only five seconds left and RAD Cebu leading by two, 67-65, the home squad committed a turnover, tempting RAD guard Allen Angelo Alicando to make a heckle in celebration.
Disappointed, Carmen’s Joshua John Joseph Sanoria hit him from behind after the final buzzer sounded, and an on-court brawl erupted.
“It’s the best experience of the players playing big League. Lesson learned sa mga batan on na aspiring players ayaw ninyo ekompara ang kanto-kanto nga duwa ug sa dinagko na liga. Gamita inyong utok. Ug sa tanan coaches make sure nga gabayan nato atong mga players ug maningkamot ta as much as possible ma disiplina ug matudloan natog unsa ang essence of basketball on and off the court,” one Marko Cua Manuel remarked after Adecer’s announcement on social media.
