MYBL-Cebu kicks off with a bang

CEBU, Philippines — With 113 teams and their supporters flocking the Magis Eagles Arena, the MVPSF Youth Basketball League-Cebu (MYBL-Cebu) kicked off with a bang through a memorable opening ceremony, a friendly game and a kick-off day of eight games Sunday.

The SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles eked out a 65-62 win over Punta Alas in the Under-18 Division 1A. Aaron Abunawan and Uri Avila led the way for the Magis Eagles with 17 points each, with Avila adding six rebounds, six assists and eight steals. Aldrich Alvez also chipped in 14 points for the Magis Eagles. James Cabingatan and Joshua Canoy led Punta Alas with 23 and 22 points, respectively. Meanwhile, in the Under-18 Division 1B, the SMS-Boystown destroyed the University of the Visayas Pardo A by a whopping 100 points, 125-25. Ryan Dizo led four players in double-figures for Boystown as he had 28 points and 10 rebounds while C-Jay Gonzales added 26 markers, five boards, five assists and three steals. In the Under-18 Division 2, Venom walloped Einstein, 49-25, thanks to Dan Cardenas 14 points. The SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Passerelle squad crushed the St. Alphonsus Catholic School, 110-48, as seven different players scored in double-figures led by Michael Porter’s 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and five steals.

In the Under-15 Division 1, One on One emerged victorious over GAA, 61-45, with Clarence Bongo and Joel Liong scoring 11 points each. Benthel also defeated Graphics Point-Toledo A, 80-74, with Jay Ninal submitting 26 points and eight rebounds. In the Under-15 Division 2, Consolacion beat Graphics Point-Toledo C, 50-44, thanks to Lester Pardo’s 12 points and nine rebounds.

In a goodwill game that kicked off the season, the MYBL-Cebu officials and coaches nipped Team Samsan/Dondon, 112-109, with Jaby Bautista drilling six triples for a team-high 24 points. Ryan Gregorio and Donbel Belano backed him up with eighteen points each. Dondon Hontiveros had 36 points, spiked by eight triples. Jonas Panerio added 25 as Mayor Samsam Gullas scored 22.

The opening ceremony was graced by Gilas Pilipinas and Talk n Text player RR Pogoy who played in the first season of the Cebu Youth Basketball League, PBA legend Dondon Hontiveros, MVPSF Executive Director Ryan Gregorio, SBP Director for Operations Butch Antonio, MVPSF Project Director Atty. Oscar Moreno Jr., Gilas Pilipinas Asst. Team Manager Yvette Ruiz, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony ‘Samsam” Gullas, Siargao Representative Cong. Bingo Matugas and Batang Gilas Team Manager Andrew Teh. In their talks, Gregorio, Pogoy and Hontiveros stressed the need to become better persons and stressed the value of discipline and character more than basketball skills and talent.

The MYBL-Cebu is presented by Smart Communications Inc. and sponsored by Cebu Landmasters Inc. and PAGCOR.