U-16 girls test mettle in FIBA tiff

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine-Careline Youth team faces a tall order but hopes to pull off a big surprise when it sees action in the first Under-16 FIBA Asia Basketball Championship from Nov. 30-Dec. 6 in Pune, India.

The Nationals, sponsored by Careline Inc. owner Dioceldo Sy and backed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, are assigned in Group A along with China, Taiwan and host India. They will leave today.

Also bracketed with the Nationals in the 12-nation tournament are Singapore and Hong Kong while Group B is composed of Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The two top teams of each group after a single-round elims will advance to the semis.

“It’s going to be a tough mission for us, but my girls are ready and confident to wage war against the best in the region,” said coach Patrick Aquino. “As long as we keep our game plan and discipline on the court, we always have a good chance.”

The team, also supported by Mighty Sports, Freego Jeans and Biogenic, will be headed by Jonah Melendres and 6-foot-1 Danica Jose, daughter of former RP team star Bobby Jose.

“Melendres is a good shooter, so we’re banking much on her along with Piatos and Jose,” said Sy.

Other members of the team are Kitkat Nitorreda, Trisha Piatos, Tara Araneta, Jackie Tanaman, Lore Rivera, Trish Dy, Ginny Pioquinto, Elrica Castyro, Kai Javier and Cheskie Tantoco.

“We hope to make an impact in the Asian level, but to do it, we have to play with lots of passion,” said Sy, who bankrolled the team’s training since March.

Aquino, according to Sy, will be assisted by former RP mainstays Julie Amos and Paul Du.