One more fight

School-based leagues are always fun to watch because athletes always give their best, including the bench squad. High school basketball for this matter, has created a new rivalry the past couple of years between the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers and the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles. Last year, they met in the Finals with the Eagles being skewered by the Lancers.

They meet again this time and the Eagles, by being stronger and faster, have soared almost beyond reach. The boys in blue will have to win today and make history with their school’s first-ever CESAFI Juniors title.

For two years, the Canduman-based squad had been bridesmaids. This time, with their end-to-finish trapping defense and balanced offense, they will have one more shot at glory and this afternoon’s game promises everything but boring.

Of course, UV by now had sharpened their lances and will try to pluck out the feathers and barbecue the Eagles for dinner. But to do that, last year’s MVP Paul Desiderio should be provided with sufficient support. He averaged 33 points in the first two games but the next highest scorer on their squad produced only 12 points or less. Desiderio, with all his talents, can’t do it alone. Escalona, Manzo and Fernandez must step up.

Ateneo, on the other hand, had multiple options. Even with gloomy skies, Arc Gabrielle Araw-araw shone fiercely in the first game ably aided by Rendell Senining. When dark clouds took the shine out of Araw-araw, the bigs, led by newly crowned Jr’s MVP Dawn Ochea wreaked havoc in the next game.

This is Cebu’s version of the Blue versus Green basketball rivalry. I will be biased and go for blue mainly because both of my children graduated from this Jesuit-run institution, although if UV had been playing another team, I go green because Desiderio’s father Abner, is a neighbour and childhood friend and me and my wife were ninong and ninang on their wedding.

I missed Games 1 and 2 because of pressing commitments but I will be trying really hard to make it to this afternoon’s match. Wear blue if you are for the Magis-Eagles, go green for the Baby Lancers. One more fight for Ateneo for the crown, one more fight for UV to stay alive. See you all at USC Gym this afternoon.   Tip-off is at 5:30.

***

“Endless words would never capture the depth of my love for her. I dread of missing her one day and her no longer needing me, after all she’s grown up and mature.”

“So I cling preciously to these present days that I still have my little girl. The world is my oyster, and she is my shiniest pearl.” Lines from a poem “First Angel” by Anthony Charness.

Time quickly flies and yes, how rapid we age. It seems like a short while ago that I did some diaper changing for my daughter Ana, prepared her milk formula, carried her on my shoulders, held her hands when we cross the street to and from school.

Today, the changing done is from large bills to small bills for her allowance. I still prepare her breakfast and carry her to safety. Surprise, surprise, somebody else is holding her hands now. They just make sure I don’t see them, but hello, once or twice I caught them.

My little baby is now a young lady. Yesterday, she turned 17 and I’m quite amazed and a bit worried that as she ages, my little girl will someday won’t be mine anymore.   I just hope whoever that guy will be won’t be breaking her heart, or else I’ll break his.... whatever.

Happy birthday Ana. You and Kuya are the best gift that me and Mama ever had.

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