The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu-powered Cebu Niños will test their mettle against some of the region’s best as they compete in the 2016 Guam Youth Games 16-under basketball tournament today at the St. Anthony Catholic School gym in Guam.
The squad is being powered by a mix of up-and-coming Magis Eagles players along with a new recruit in Raphael Tan, formerly of the M. Zed Christian School.
The team is composed of Michael Jordan, Carlos Canoy, Hans Mesina, Jao Celerenos, Ranier Dy, Yuri Espina, Willy Allosada, Nikko Trinidad and Angelo Jabalon. The squad is being manned by head coach Francis Auquico and assistant coach Marvin Caro.
Ateneo de Cebu was asked to form a team by International Basketball Academy director Eric Altamirano, through whom the invitation was coursed by the Office of the Governor of Guam.
Aside from local teams, the Niños must also contend with the likes of De La Salle and another representative from Manila.
“These events are always very unique because it allows our young athletes to participate in an international competition on our home courts. The new friendships forged and the exchange of cultures are the highlights to these exciting tournaments. The Philippine teams are eager to visit, and the local teams are equally excited to host our visiting Pacific neighbors,” said Ron Ravela of the organizing Kaizen Events in an interview on Pacific Daily News, a Guam publication.