UE Kid Warriors on 4-game streak in MSSA tournament

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the East Kid Warriors streaked to their fourth straight win with a 70-53 rout of Don Bosco Manila in the Metropolitan School Sports Association tournament at the British School.

Coach Mark Herrera’s UE Kid Warriors, formed as part of the school’s university-wide basketball program, earlier defeated St. Francis School, Southville and Colegio San Agustin in the eight-team tournament for elementary students.

“This is a good win for our team,” said Herrera, who emerged as the Junior PBA’s winningest coach when he piloted the Batang TnT-Quezon City team to its fourth title in the annual summer league.

“ This is pure heart, the results are encouraging because the boys are all rookies and this is the first time the team is playing in a tournament,” said Herrera, who is also head coach of the national Under-13 team and assistant coach of the UE Junior Warriors.

Ritchie Rivero and Joshua Santos, both members of the RP U-13 team, provide the 1-2 punch for the team which also draws firepower from Paolo Malones, Joshua Lanuza, Earl Lagaras, Karl Bautista and Neil Mendoza.

The team is supported by UE president Ester Garcia and UE executive vice president Carmelita Mateo. Herrera is assisted by Benjie Diswe, Jeus Albano and Edwin Ancheta.