UC Baby Webmasters crowned U18 champs (Ronbucz, Hype x 1521 share limelight in BPBL Central Visayas Finals)

CEBU, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters fended off the equally tough University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers-Sherilin, 72-63, in their sudden-death final duel to emerge as champions in the Under 18 division of the Batang Pilipino Basketball League (BPBL) Season 2 Central Visayas Finals over the weekend at the Carmen Sports and Activity Center in the municipality of Carmen in northern Cebu.

Do-it-all big man Jayver Palco sizzled with 18 points for the Baby Webmasters to romp away with the Most Valuable Player award. He got huge support from Jehu Romanos who tallied 11 markers.

“First of all, dili sayon amo giagian. USPF-Sherilin was a very tough opponent although na-maintain namo and lead from first to fourth quarter,” said UC head coach Joever “Brad” Samonte.

“Gi-instill lang nako sa mind sa mga bata na this is a very important game, no second chances. It’s a do or die game if they want to go in Manila for the BPBL National Championship. They will have to fight really hard until the dying minutes of the game, dili gyud mokompiyansa,”Samonte continued.

Boosted by that motivational energy, the Baby Webmasters delivered the goods on the way to achieve crown glory that punched them a ticket to the BPBL Season 2 National Finals this July in Manila.

“In terms of the preparation for the National Finals, I can see mas hungry, mas excited ang akong mga players because naa silay goal to prove na they have capabilities to compete on the bigger stage,” said Samonte.

“In very practice, the players go extra mile. Most of all, I tell them to bond with their teammates so that they will jell, develop teamwork, and trust with each other. There’s no individualism in our team. We always play smart and most of all pray to God to give them guidance and strength.”

On the other hand, the Ronbucz team of coach Ronald “Magic” Bucao stunned the previously unbeaten Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles, 61-58, to grab the Under 16 crown.

Lawrence Saz netted 13 points while Denver Bisnar also cracked double figures with 11 points for Ronbucz, which will proceed to the National Finals in their age group that will be hosted by Malay LGU in Aklan where the paradise Boracay Island is situated

“Salamat kaayo Ginoo sa kadaugan nga imong gihatag. The glory and honor only belongs to you. Hats off to the Ateneo Magis Eagles team for giving us the hardest fight and the opportunity in bringing out the best in us,” said Bucao, who is also head coach of the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers.

“Sa akong mga players, salamat kaayo guys sa inyong pagsalig ug sa respeto nga inyong gihatag. Thank you for listening through your heart nga nakuha ninyo akong last minute adjustments,” Bucao added.

Out of their setback comes a good news still for SHS-Ateneo de Cebu as the organizers made a decision to include the first runner-up in the U16 category to the national battle.

Meanwhile, in the Under 13 action, the Hype x 1521 Basketball crushed Mommy’s Choice-Danao, 59-39, to clinch the title.

Jay Obeso scattered 14 points for Hype x 1521, while John Sasul and James Comeros chipped in 10 points apiece. — (FREEMAN)