RIYADH, 30 November — Crowd favorite and consistent point maker Jerome Siron once again led the Dragons (Second Philippine International School) squad to fine victory in Game 1, best-of-three series with the Yellow Tigers (International Philippine School in Riyadh) team, 88-73 in the championship round of the 1st Riyadh Inter-School Basketball Tournament.
The jam-packed crowd at the well-trimmed basketball court of the Philippine Embassy, Diplomatic Quarters Riyadh witnessed the exciting and grueling battle of wits between contenders for the championship crown. The night was graced by the presence of some school officials, principals and the major sponsor Power Horse’ representative Ramon “Nonoy” Quema, Jr.
The big plus factors in the Dragons triumph came from the amazing combination of high leaping Jerome Siron, the under-goal rebound and center shooting of Daryl Raymundo. In addition, the power play of Neil Apilado, Erwin Baladjay, Francis Nunag with the swiftness and agility of the two guards Mark Dizon and Philip Nunag made it a paramount advantage for the Dragons to overcome the aggressive Yellow Tigers’ challenge to the crown when they close the first canto with 8 points advantage 19-11. With ray of big hope and the presence with full backing of the students and their parents, almost everybody were cheering aloud in every actions undertaken by the players, the Dragons successfully sustained their good play in the second quarter as both teams applied a stiff and strong defense.
The tandem of Jerome Siron and Daryl Raymundo hit the board unanswered from the Yellow Tigers closing the second quarter 42/49 in their favor. The early exit of Mohammad Bayabao in the third quarter taking his fifth and final fouls with still 7.57 minutes left was a big blow to the Yellow Tigers as well as Tarek Jambongana nursing a fourth foul on his shoulder limit his movement and rebounds. Jalal Pundoma was an effective alternate for rebound as Kester Trinidad and Christer Umali did their daredevil drives and hoop shots. John Paul Philip with Norman Grutas gave their best shares for the steal of the ball and under goal rebound while Daryl Tanael, who seemed to be out of form did only the first ever three-point shot of the game which was not enough o override the final scores 88-73 in the Dragons’ favor.
The double round robin elimination round featuring the Falcons of Millennium International School and the Youngster of Al Maarefa International School saw the former subdued the latter. The prolific “wrap around” Jessie Reyes with the Pajama Kid Regie Saliedo was an amazing combination supported by Jeremy Reyes, Danilo Paredes, Albert De Vera, Alvin Canero, Jerone Duterte, Renan Canero, Adrian Sese, A. Villanueva and Manalang are promising basketball players with amazing stamina, guts and wits showing their acrobatic hoopla hoop shots playing with taller Falcons Dax Rodil, Popey Dumrigue, Melvin Dinio, Don Rodil, David Talibsao, ball handler Mark dela Cruz, Midget Daryl “DJ” Ocampo and Melgar Dinio, Jr. were thrilling experiences as the swiftness and agility of both teams earned a cheering applause from the crowd. The Falcons sealed the match with final scores 72-59.
Power Horse is the major sponsor of this tournament co-sponsored by Pepsi Cola and with full support from Philippine Airlines and Nissah Photo Laboratory. The Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers are hosting this thrilling event under the patronage of Helmut Pluecker, General Manager.
The venue of the games on Friday is Philippine Embassy, Diplomatic Quarters Riyadh. First game will start at 4:30 p.m. will be a knockout game between the Falcons and the Al Maarefa for the 3rd and 4th place while Game 2 of the best-of-three series follows at 7 p.m. between the Dragons and the Yellow Tigers.
The scores:
Dragons (88) — Siron Jerome 22, Raymundo 18, Cequema 12, Nunag F. 10, Apilado 8, Pegano 6, Dizon 4, Nunag P. 4, Hizon 3, and Baladjay 1 beat Yellow Tigers (73) ñ Agahan 20, Umali 17, Trinidad 11, Jambongana M. 8, Jambongana T. 4, Pundoma 4, Ramadan 4, Tanael 3, and Bayabao 2.
Referees: Abet Garcia, Raymond Que Que, and Julius Caringal.
Falcons (72) - Dumrigue 22, Rodil Dax 21, Rodil Don 13, Nadal 7, Madamba 4, Licondini 2, Baquiran 2, and DJ 1 beat Al Maarefa (59) - Saliedo 18, Reyes Jessie 17, Villanueva 4, Reyes Jeremy 4, Paredes 4, Manalang 4, De Vera 3, Sorisantos 3, and Sese 2.
Referees: Sonny Benito and Valenzuela.
