CEBU, Philippines — Rising hardcourt stars Beirn Anthony Laurente and Joshua Yerro of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champions University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers made a big leap in Week 5 of the Chooks-to-Go/National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) 24 Power Rankings that showcases the best high school cagers in the country.
Laurente, the reigning CESAFI Juniors MVP, took the biggest leap, from No.20 to No.17, to overtake Alex Visser of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles who fell to No.18.
Yerro, on the other hand, came out nowhere to barge into No.22.
Both Laurente and Yerro are from the province of Leyte. The sharp-shooting Laurente is the 'Hitman' from Baybay City, while Yerro is nicknamed 'Wakwak of Ormoc' for his high-leaping ability.
Laurente and Yerro's ascent in the rankings is largely due to UV's winning the NBTC Cebu leg title last Sunday at the Talisay City Sports Complex where they ended the seven-year reign of the SHS-Ateneo Magis Eagles.
Another Cebuano player in John Galinato, who is with the Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) Blue Dragons, is rated No.11.
Still, SJ Belangel and Kai Sotto of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets dominated the rankings at No.1. and No.2, while Joel Cagulangan of the La Salle Greenhills (LSGH) Greenies, Will Gozum of the Mapua University (MU) Red Robins and CJ Cansino of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs occupy the next three spots.
Making up the top 10 list are L-Jay FGonzales (FEU), Rhayann Amsali (NU), Dave Ildefonso (ADMU), Aaron Fermin (AU), and Clint Escamis (MU). (FREEMAN)