Xavier's pride and glory

It’s not easy being a basketball mom. There are days when I just want to scoop my only son Vincent into my arms out of that rigorous game to protect him from the anguish of defeat, nerve-wracking tension and excruciating injury.

But since I can’t insulate him on the hardcourt, I just have to remind my son that the game of basketball is like the game of life. There will be good days and not-so-good days. There will be challenges, frustrations, hurts and pains. But there is always hope of the sweetest victory borne of hard work, discipline, determination and that most valuable asset of all: team work. The attainment of this victorious moment becomes the best day of my son’s life as well as his teammates’. No amount of money or material gift can equal this precious triumph.

Such was that day of Feb. 15, the day after Valentine’s Day and also my son’s 14th birthday, when the championship game between the aspirants of Xavier School and Chang Kai Shek in the Tiong Lian tournament was held.

The pressure and incentive were very strong for Xavier, since they have won this tournament for the past seven straight years. Such that the school fondly refers to this tournament as “Xavier’s Pride and Glory.”

The night before the tournament, my son Vincent performed his pre-championship game rituals. He brought out his lucky shoes, and carefully cleaned them up. He then packed up his yellow and white varsity uniform. His father led us in prayer lifting this important game up to the Lord and thanked him for bringing us this far. Vincent was very restless that night. It took him two hours to fall asleep as I secretly watched him and continued to pray for his team.

At the same time, Dr. Rose Lim, mother of Jarrell Lim, captain of the Xavier team, went to the shrine of Santa Clara. Down on her knees, she fervently prayed for the protection of her son and his teammates. Being the team’s best player, there was a lot of pressure on Jarrell to excel in this crucial game. Rose brought a bottle of holy oil, which she rubbed on his legs to prevent him from cramps and sprains. Her prayers paid off as Jarrell was voted and awarded MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the conference.

Parents arrived early in the Xavier school gym proudly wearing yellow outfits. Nervous moms sat side by side. No two games are ever alike and anything could happen. Soon the game started. Our opponents from Chang Kai Shek were off to a brilliant start, their players were fluid and confident on our court.

Being on home court is not always an advantage. Our Xavier boys seemed extremely tense and pressured as their teachers and schoolmates cheered them on.

For us moms, it was like watching a scary movie, trapped in terror and suspense. We were down 10 points in the second quarter and in my nervousness, tears began to form. In between squeezing the other mommies’ hands and praying the rosary in my head to keep calm, we rallied up five points. My tears began to fall in relief. Then my son was called in during the third quarter. My heart began to pound so hard I could feel it up to my head. He had this determined expression as he pumped the floor and reached for the ball. In no time he connected his famous three-pointer. And in the next play he released and connected another three-pointer, bringing them back into the lead. The crowd went wild as my heart soared. The Xavier team led by Jarrell Lim, Anton Lapez, Chang Gi Hong, Jacob Ejercito, played their best. With the able support of Martin Sy’s and Isaac Go’s rebounds, skillful support from Jan Tang, Tyler Tio, Jeremy Chan, the tide was turned in favor of the Xavier Stallions leading all the way until the end. What an exciting season it has been. With the brave assistance of Tonito Puyat, Aldrich Tan, Jonathan Yu, Alrich Lam and Aj Agcaoili, the Xavier aspirants team remained undefeated.

In the third quarter before Vincent went back into the court, he said to Jarrell, “ This is the last time we are playing for Grade 7, let’s win this game!” Jarrell nodded. Vincent then went out to give his all. His last gift to his team was a brave and brilliant three-pointer, the longest we have seen in this tournament, well beyond the professional three-point line. The screams were euphoric. Our hearts swelled with pride. A moment like this was the best birthday gift a 14-year-old could ever receive.

The closeness of the boys glowed on the court as their excellent teamwork brought them the championship they so deserved. Our immense gratitude goes to our dedicated coach Dr. John Sy and assistant coach Jwyn Baculinao for mentoring our boys throughout this Tiong Lian tournament. (And throughout the PAYA tournament which they won as well). Our heartfelt thanks to nurse Noel Calamungay, athletic trainer Alexis Pimentel, team assistants Melo and Ted Basihan, Dr. John Lim and Ceasar Wongkuching for their endless caring.

At the end of the game, the moms and dads watched our triumphant boys, absolutely glowing with sheer joy. It isn’t easy being a basketball mom but when your son’s dreams are fulfilled and your prayers answered, somehow the painful process is all worth it.

 Congratulations to the Xavier Team! ONE PRIDE, ONE GLORY! Luceat Lux!

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