LSGH bags title in inaugural NCAA U-14 cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle Greenhills emerged unbeaten after eight-games last Sunday, Jan. 11, to claim the crown in the first National Collegiate Athletic Association 14-under basketball tournament last Aug. 11 at the Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila.

The Greenies first swept their six-game elimination round assignment, beating rivals from Emilio Aguinaldo College, San Sebastian College, Arellano University, Mapua, Letran and San Beda.

In the semifinals, the Greenies led by more than 30 points beating the Letran Squires.

They were ahead by more than 20 points when they subdued the San Beda Red Cubs in the finals.

Point guard Joel Diomar Cagulangan of LSGH took the finals MVP honors. He was named in the Mythical 5 with big man Joshua Marcos and  forward Harribon Espinosa.

Head coach Marvin Bienvenida said that with their win, he believes that the Greenies  are the team to watch out 2 years from now in the NCAA juniors.

“La Salle Greenhills  never won an NCAA junior basketball title. This is the first and they are giving a statement that they are the team to watch out,” said Bienvenida.

Bienvanida said the team’s the relentless defense, and run-and-gun offense since the opening day until the championship won the title for them.

Their title conquest was the support of  sharpshooter Jacob Lao, Carlo Lim and Vince Guste.

Sebastian Locsin, who is the son of from PBA great Noli Locsin, Tropang Texter Ryan Reyes’ son Jaylen Reyes, Venjho Maximo, Sael Lim, AJ Javier and Paolo Calingin also had their share in helping each other to dominate during the game.