2nd Gov’s Cup hoopla opens

CEBU, Philippines — The second season of the Governor's Cup Inter-Cities and Municipalities Under-21 Developmental Basketball Tournament kicked off yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum with 45 teams vying for supremacy

Before the hardcourt hostilities, an opening rite took place that was graced by Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario 'Junjun' Davide III and Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale.

“We want to develop not only the physical but also the mental and emotional aspect of our athletes,” said Magpale. “Schools and universities in the National Capital Region will be looking for potential talents in this tournament and we want this to be a way for our athletes to be recognized.”

Also present yesterday were Cebu Province Sports Commission chairman Michel Lhuillier and CPSC executive director Attorney Ramil Abing.

Davide and Lhuillier led the ceremonial toss formally declaring the tournament open.

Meanwhile, Lorraine Hann of Consolacion was adjuded as Miss Governor’s Cup of the North as Nikki De Mouran of Talisay City was the fairest in the South. Tudela bagged the ‘Early bird’ award, while Boljoon got the ‘Best in uniform’,

Fighting it out in the North Division are Mandaue City, Cordova, Consolacion, Compostela, Danao City, and Carmen under North Bracket 1 San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela in Camotes Island, Catmon, Sogod and Borbon under NB2; Tabogon, Tabuelan, Bogo City, Balamban, Asturias and Tuburan under NB3; and Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and San Remigio under NB4.

The contenders in South Division are defending champion Minglanilla, Talisay City, Naga City, San Fernando and Carcar City under South Bracket 1; Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy and Boljoon under SB2; Oslob, Samboan, Santander, Ginatilan, Alegria, and Badian under SB3; and Moalboal, Alcantara, Dumanjug, Barili, and Aloguinsan under SB4.

The champion will pocket P500,000, while the second to fourth placers will take home P300,000, P200,000, and P100,000, respectively. (FREEMAN)