Titans gear up for SM NBTC National C’ship The Paref Springdale Titans will be out to make a name for themselves on the national stage when they take on the country’s best in Division 2 of the SM NBTC National High School Championship tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena. Far from being a traditional powerhouse in the basketball scene here in Cebu, the Titans have risen up the ranks behind the leadership of head coach Jabby Bautista. And though they’ve had their struggles in their preparations for the big stage, Bautista is confident that his squad will be able to make some noise in the upcoming tournament. “Honestly. These past weeks kulang-kulang kami because of academic requirements nila. Kasi magtatapos na din ang school year that’s why madaming catching up to do. But we still managed to practice pa din with some players,” shared the former University of San Carlos and Southwestern University guard who has transitioned into coaching quite well. Bautista admitted that his team is behind the eight ball in terms of skills against the rest of the field but asserted that his team will be ready for war when push comes to shove. “Skill-wise against Manila teams, alam namin na medyo dehado kami. But what makes this team competitive is there chemistry because matagal na kasi sila magkakasama so alam na nila ang isa’t-isa and I’ve been coaching them since elementary days pa so madali na lang talaga mag put up sa system,” added Bautista. Expected to carry the fight for the Titans is the versatile Sean Quitevis, ace scorer Joshua Balankig, Jett Sy, Sean Contapay, Giles Benedicto, Ed Galang, Jay Sainz, Amiel Villegas and CJ Tan. Completing the team are Patrick Yray, Clarence Cabigon, John Sainz and Dennis Tan. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio