MLSDF Under-21 cage tourney to kick off on Sept. 24

Some of Cebu's aspiring cagers will once again show their stuff in shooting hoops as the M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF)-backed 2006 M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cup Under-21 basketball tournament comes off the wraps on September 24 at the Cebu Coliseum.

"This is a manifestation of our continued support to grassroots sports develoment in Cebu. Hopefully, this will run smoothly just like in our previous tournaments," said league organizer and MLSDF director Eddie Ybañez, himself a multi-titled coach.

The details of the 21-under cagefest were being finalized in a meeting attended by coaches and representatives of the different participating squads the other night at Baseline Restaurant.

Among the teams which have already confirmed their entry are the Mantawi Traders Dream Team, Hoop It Up Summer Camp, Athletes for Christ in Excellent Service (ACES), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Municipality of Consolacion and University of San Carlos.

Also joining are Consolacion National High School (CNHS) Black Shama, Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) and Don Bosco College.

The group will again meet on September 5 at White Gold House for the submission of entries and screening of credentials.

Tournament commissioner Eddie Montalban said since it is an age-group tournament, all entries must by accompanied with birth certificates duly certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Montalban said the format of the tournament will depend on the number of participans. He added the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules will govern the weekly cagefest, which will also be played at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The Mantawi Traders, managed by Mandaue City Councilor Glenn Bercede, is the early title favorite having ruled the 10th Compostela Under-21 tilt recently.

The ACES, however, couldn't be taken lightly more so if coach Al Solis pushes through with his plan to tap his developmental players from the University of the Visayas (UV).- EBV