Jr cagers vie in Singapore tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Players from Ateneo, La Salle and UE make up the Youth Basketball of the Philippines squad competing in the Dr. Fatimah Lateef Bas-ketball Invitation Challenge 2009, which got under way the other day in Singapore.

Mark Gamboa, Rob Andres, Lolek Vitangcol, Martin Dizon, and John Ong of Ateneo head the team that includes Miggy Aytona of La Salle Greenhills, Willis Siy of Hope Christian High School, Miguel Nitorreda of the British School of Manila and Junior Warriors Isiah Banawa, Hubert Cani, Ronnie de Leon, Russell Santiago and Austin Garcia.

Mark Herrera, the head of the UE Junior Warriors who also steered the Talk n Text team to three Junior PBA crowns, is the man at the helm of the YBOP squad with Jeus Albano as assistant.

The YBOP is under the umbrella of the Youth Basketball of America with its Philippine Ambassador Nic Jorge.

“This tournament will furhter develop our players. They will be competing against their counterparts from the different Asian countries,” said Herrera.