The Dragons blew a domineering 70 point record over the Saints’ 51 points to clinch the coveted trophy in the 20 and under age bracket. Niel Apilado ignited the Dragons’ winning rally after garnering 8 points whilst teammate Gino Soulikjumped into the winning band wagon with his six pence.
The Dragons left the Saints with a bloody gap at the bottom of the quarter. The score were up 22-7 prior to the second quarter.
The Saints tried to hustle during the second quarter to close the wound made during the first quarter. Vince Iglecias was able to breach past the Dragons’ defense barrier to clinch six points while Josh Kiyoshi chipped in his four pence.
Their efforts were futile. The Dragons stepped it up a notch in the second quarter matching the Saints’ tactics with quick foot movement and quick assists.
Apilado was seen on the arena once more launching bold shots off of the key to snatch a total of eight points from the quarter to help his team keep their distance from the Saints.
By the time the siren blasted across the gym to seal the first half of the Dragons were leading by seven points, 32-25.
Upon entering the third quarter the Saints tried harder to seal the seven point gap but it was too late. The Dragons left them behind after the third quarter and moved on to secure the championship match after gaining 15 more points in the final quarter, 70-51.
Scores:
Dragons– N. Apilado 27, D. Mapote 9, D. Jones 8, G. Soulik 7, W. Tomy 6, J. Mackwelong 6, J. Saperna 5, J. George 2.
Saints– E. Aughenbaugh 12, J. Kiyoshi 12, L. Galarse 11, V. Iglecias 8, B. Aulerio 6, D. Brennan 2.
IT wasn’t a different story during the 15U championship match. The younger Dragons secured the championship trophy in this age category as well against the 670 Rollers, 48-37.
From the start of the game until its eulogy the Dragons remained in control of the driver’s seat. They served the 670 Rollers with a 16-9 lead in the first quarter, 32-13 deficiency in the second quarter, 40-22 in third quarter, and finally 48-37 in the fourth quarter.
