Dylan and Drexler Lim bask in the glow of golden double

CEBU, Philippines — Brothers Dylan Jared and Drexler Jordan Lim basked in the glow of double championship glory with the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in basketball event of the recently concluded Palarong Mandaue 2024, the city qualifiers for the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet this summer.

Dylan Jared is part of the SHS-Ateneo team that bagged the crown in the secondary boys 5x5 cage wars, while Drexler Jordan saw action with the Magis Eagles that reigned supreme in the 3x3 event together with Aaron Abutazil, John Wilhelm Go, and Kirk Doyohim.

Dylan said seeing his younger brother succeed in his discipline gave him extra motivation to strive harder for his team.

  Pasalamat gyud ko sa Ginoo na nasulod akong manghud sa 3x3 lineup ug na-champion mao nalipay kaayo ko para niya ug sa iyahang mga kauban kay panagsa rapud ni na magkuyog mga igsoon nga na-champion at the same time sa league,  shared Dylan, who charted 11 points on a spectacular 3-of-3 shooting from the 3-point land in their 65-48 thrashing of the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Baby Webmasters in their gold-medal match exactly a week ago at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

 Bisan naa siya sa 3x3, at least nakuha gyud nila ang kadaugan mao determined pud ko to do my very best for the team,  he added.

Now, Dylan trains his sights on the CVIRAA in May with the ultimate goal of representing the region in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa for the third consecutive time.

When he was still in grade school before the pandemic five years ago, Dylan was picked up to reinforce the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers for the 2019 Palaro held in Davao City. Last year, he suited up for the Magis Eagles that emerged as champions in secondary boys basketball in last year s Palaro hosted by Marikina City.

 Hinaot karong tuiga makuha gihapon namo ang kadaugan inubanan og prayers sa atong Ginoo,  said 17-year-old 11th grader continued.

 Sa akong mga na-achieve, thankful kaayo ko sa mga misalig nako. Sa SHS-Ateneo de Cebu community, sa among president sa school si Fr. Mike Pineda, head coach Rommel Rasmo and the rest of the coaching staff, sa among athletic director si sir Ralph Inot, and of course doc Rhoel Deja o ug sa akong pamilya labi na sa akong daddy Dex ug mommy Jenny nga supportive kaayo namo always.

Drexler is as ecstatic as his big brother on their accomplishment.

 Pasalamat gyud ko ni Jesus Christ nga na-champion mi sa 3x3. Lipay kaayo ko para sa akong coach nga nisalig namo sa akong teammates,  said the 15-year-old Drexler, who hit crucial free throws that cushioned the Magis Eagles to a nervy 19-15 win over the Paknaan National High School (PNHS) ballers in their final duel.

  At first, kuyawan mi kay twice-to-beat among kontra, but our hearts and determination define our willingness to be a champion. Naninguha gyud mi sa akong mga teammates nga ma-sealed namo ang kadaogan para makakuyog ko sa akong brother Dylan sa CVIRAA,  Drexler continued.

With joy and pride in their hearts, Dylan and Drexler s rare golden double show is something that they will truly treasure in their lifetime. (CEBU NEWS)