D8: GK Warriors are Champs in 35 and Over Years Old Division, stops Titans, 55-47

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors achieved history by becoming the first 35 and Over Years Old Division champion of the PAAD basketball league with a resounding win over the Delaware Titans, 55-47 in their championship game. Dennis Balagtas with 19 points and Tony Astoveza with 11 points provided the offense while Jim Reynolds provided the rebounds and defense in the Warriors triumph.

Early on the Delaware Titans fought toe to toe with the Warriors in the first half with no teams enjoying a double digit lead. The trio of Balagtas, Astoveza and Reynolds provided the 1-2-3 punch for the Warriors while the Titans countered with the quartet of Karl Ebron, Ed Ortega, Jeorge Corotan and Willie Fontano. Ebron had two three point shots, while Ortega, Corotan and Fontano had one each. It was a tight first half with the Warriors enjoying only a one point lead at 25-24.

In the second half, the Warriors and the Titans kept the game close until halfway in the second half. At the 11th minute mark, the Warriors made their move and took advantage of the cold shooting spell of the Titans, specially from its big man, Jason Del Rosario. With Balagtas and Astoveza leading the way, several players moved in for the kill in annexing the Warriors championship crown. Ed Padilla (Baltimore Dragons Coach) who plays for the Warriors, made his contribution through clutch free throw shooting while Felix Vergara and Sonny De La Torre hit a crucial three point shot as the Warriors built an insurmountable 8 point lead with half a minute remaining in the game. It was a lead which they preserved until the end of the final buzzer.

Big man Jim Reynolds, who provided the muscles in the boards and who anchored the defense of the Warriors was adjudged as the Division’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). It was a sweet win for the Warriors against a team which provided them with all they could handle and a good battle for the championship. For the Titans, the basketball gods were not on their side as they missed several easy baskets and crucial free throws down the stretch. A basket here and there could have swung the momentum in the Titans way. The Warriors proved steadier at the end to seal their first ever 35 and Over Years Old Division crown to the delight of their adoring cheering fans.

Box Scores:
55 – GK Warriors: Dennis Balagtas, 19; Tony Astoveza, 11; Felix Vergara, 7; Jim Reynolds, 6; Sonny De La Torre, 5; Ed Padilla, 5; Nestor San Diego, 2

47 – Delaware Titans: Karl Ebron, 11; Ed Ortega, 9; Jeorge Corotan, 9; D Tapel, 4; Joel Villamor, 3; Egui Alafriz, 3; Willie Fontano, 3; Jason Del Rosario, 3; Arnel Lalicon, 2

D8: GK Warriors Three Peats, rips Dragons, 85-57 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors, with its strongest team yet in the history of the league, achieved a historic three peat by beating the Baltimore Dragons, 85-57 in the championship game of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD basketball tournament. Mario Lancioni who top scored with 30 points in the game was adjudged as the championship Most Valuable Player (MVP). The win preserved the unbeaten streak of the Warriors dating back to the 2008 PAAD Palaro.

The Warriors however were made to sweat in the first half as the Dragons gave them a scare in the early going. With RJ Buzon connecting on his rainbow shots, the Dragons led by as much as six points after 10 minutes of play in the first half. Coach Ed Padilla of the Dragons appeared to pull a rabbit out of his hat early on. However, the Warriors running game came into perfection as they erased the deficit and spurted into a 45-38 halftime lead. Mario Lancioni’s 17 points along with brother Santini Lancioni’s 9 points and Dustin Coloso’s 7 points in the first half provided to be decisive in overhauling the Dragons early advantage. It was the first time however that the Warriors were threatened by a team who could match their shooting prowess in the early going. Buzon had four triples for the Dragons in the first half.

In the second half however, playing Coach Herb Monsalud stressed defense to his Warrior’s team. And as the Warriors tightened their defense and prevented the three point shots of the Dragons, they slowly built a double digit lead. It was once again Mario Lancioni who provided the offensive spark with a barrage of three point shooting that doused the hopes of the Dragons. Mario’s three rainbow shots along with the superb play making of Leo Yanogacio, Santini Lancioni, Coloso and Yogi Veranga proved too much for the Dragons, as the Warriors built a 20 point cushion with about 5 minutes to go in the game. And with their cheering fans, the Warriors further padded the lead to 28 at the final buzzer, winning 85-57.

In the end, it was the depth of the Warriors lineup that carried them to victory as majority of their players are scoring threats. In the second half, the Dragons became weary and could not kept up with the fast paced game of the Warriors. And for Coach Monsalud, Team Manager Doc Mel Madarang and their players, a dynasty similar to the Celtics, Lakers and the Bulls in the NBA is possibly in the horizon.
Prior to the championship game, the Warriors clobbered Dynamics, 139-78, and the Dragons defeated No Way, 55-42 in their respective semifinal matches.

Box Scores:
85 – GK Warriors: Mario Lancioni, 30 ; Santini Lancioni, 15; Dustin Coloso; 12; Yogi Veranga, 8; Leo Yanogacio, 8; Curtis Clemente, 4; Ian Clemente, 3; Ryan De Guzman, 3; Herb Monsalud, 2

57 – Baltimore Dragons: RJ Buzon, 16; Frank Concepcion, 12; Sebastian Cabrera, 11; Souk Gumatay, 6; Julio Concepcion, 6; Anthony Curtiz, 4; Jake Cortez, 2

D7: GK Warriors Sweeps Elimination Round, tops Baltimore, 81-57 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors, starring brothers Mario and Santini Lancioni who scored 41 points, disposed of the Baltimore Dragons, 81-57 to sweep the elimination round of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament with their sixth straight win in as many outings. The win gave the Warriors the number one seed in the four-team semifinals which be played on August 14. Despite the loss, the Dragons hanged on as the second ranked team in the elimination round, and also qualified for the semifinals with a 4-2 win-loss record.

The Warriors were off to a fast start, leading 19-11 in the early goings In the first half. And as the match progressed, the Lancioni brothers barrage of 3 point shot artilleries (4 by Mario and 3 by Santini) overwhelmed the Dragons as the Warriors roared to a 37-20 lead at halftime. The Dragons were led by RJ Buzon who had 10 points (including 2 triples) at halftime .

Earlier in the second half, the Dragons led by Souk Gumatay engineered a 6-0 run to reduce the lead by the Warriors to 11 at 37-26. However, Leo Yanogacio of the Warriors, who is known more for his inside plays, pushed the lead back of the Warriors to 14 with a three point shot , still with 19 minutes remaining in the game. However, the Warriors did not let up on the attack after that point. This time, Dennis Balagtas and Dustin Coloso joined the Lancioni brothers in the scoring chores to repulse any of the Dragons threat. For the Dragons, Gumatay and Buzon were helped by Paco Estrada, Frank Concepcion and Julio Concepcion.

The Warriors and the Dragons had 6 three point shots each in the second half. However, the Dragons were not able to put a clamp or a stop on the Warriors armory of excellent shooters, as virtually every player is a scoring threat. And with its much deeper lineup, the Warriors were able to push to lead to 24 at the end of the game, 81-57.

For Coach Herb Monsalud and his charges, the Warriors are looking invincible and a three peat championship is very well within reach. And a talk of the GK Warriors dynasty is in the offing. It will take a perfect game from the Dragons, No Way or Dynamic if those teams want to win against the Warriors. That perfect game is like a perfect 300 score in bowling – which is very rare but can be done.

Box Scores:

81 – GK Warriors: Mario Lancioni, 23; Santini Lancioni, 18; Dennis Balagtas, 10; Dustin Coloso, 8; Ian Clemente, 7; Leo Yanogacio, 5, Coco Clemente, 4; Curtis Clemente, 3; Ryan De Guzman, 2; Herb Monsalud, 1

57 – Baltimore: RJ Buzon, 16; Souk Gumatay, 12; Frank Concepcion, 12; Paco Estrada, 8; Julio Concepcion, 6; Jackie Brosoto, 3

D6: GK Warriors wins by default over Delaware Titans (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors had an easy day in the office as they won by default over the Delaware Titans in Day 6 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. The entire Titans team was a no show during the day. The Warriors did scrimmage games as their players played with one another in one of the basketball courts in the arena.

Per the Rules and Regulations of the PAAD 2010 Palaro, the official score will be 20-0 for the GK Warriors. It was the fifth straight win for the undefeated GK Warriors. The Titans bowed out from the 2010 PAAD Palaro with a 1-5 win loss record.

D6: GK Warriors enters final, with a win over No Way, 64-54 (35 and Over Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors grabs the first finals berth in the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament with a resounding 64-54 victory over a resilient No Way Team. It was the third win against one loss for the Warriors who will now play for the championship on August 14. They will play the winner of the knockout match between the Delaware Titans and No Way.

Jim Reynolds mastery of the boards and his team high 17 points proved to be the big difference in the victory. No Way had difficulty matching up with him during the entire game. He also got big support from Dennis Balagtas and Lex Vergara who added 16 and 10 points, respectively in the win.

The Warriors led from the start although by not big margin or only by a single digit. With Reynolds patrolling the boards, Balagtas, Vergara, Sonny De La Torre found their shooting touch in the first half. De La Torre had two three pointer and Balagtas had one as the Warriors raced to a 31-24 halftime lead. Meanwhile, Alex Alday and Riki Makasakit led the No Way offense in the first half with 7 points and 6 points, respectively.

In the second half, No Way fought toe to toe with the Warriors. With a three pointer from Raul Carabio, No Way had reduced the Warriors lead to four at 41-37, with 14 minutes remaining in the game. However, Reynolds triggered a 15-8 blast to push the Warriors lead to 56-45, 5 minutes remaining in the game. Exchanging baskets for baskets with No Way, the Warriors were able to hold on to the lead until the end of the game. Reynolds points were mostly on plays inside the painted area where he is a dominant figure. Balagtas and Jingo Jabat ably provided scoring support in the second half for the GK Warriors.

Box Scores:
64 – GK Warriors: Jim Reynolds, 17; Dennis Balagtas, 16; Felix Vergara, 10; Sonny De La Torre 8; Jingo Jabat, 7; James Hoeffliger, 4; Ed Padilla, 2;

54 – No Way: Riki Makasakit, 12; Raul Carabio, 11; Alex Alday, 9; Jay Lizardo, 8; Ramil Magpantay, 6; Norman Aquino, 5; Marlowe Ulit, 3

D5: GK Warriors pounds Dynamic, 96-40 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

The GK Warriors vaunted firepower proved too much against Dynamic, as they pounded the latter, 96-40 in Day 5 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the fourth straight win for the Warriors as they formally clinched the first semi-finals berth in the Division. Dynamic had only five players during the day who fought valiantly but simply those five players were not able to match the awesome firepower of the Warriors.

Mario Lancioni and Santini Lancioni led the charge of the Warriors brigade in the first half with 11 and 10 points. They were ably supported by Yogi Veranga, Ryan De Gracia, Ryan De Guzman and Coco Clemente. With those players hitting on all cylinders, the Warriors built a 44-20 halftime lead. RJ Valera tried to carry the fight for Dynamic with 14 points in the first half, including 4 three pointers, but received little support from his other team mates.

In the second half, MVP candidate Santini Lancioni stepped up his game, and along with Dustin Coloso, Veranga, Chris Clemente and Herb Monsalud continued to pad the Warriors lead. The Warriors did not let up as they erupted for 52 points in the second half against only 20 points by Dynamic, putting the final score at 96-40 win by the GK Warriors. Mark Pr’Out, Valera and Mike Sanchez did all they could but could not stop the Warriors avalanche of baskets.

Santini Lancioni top scored for the Warriors with 26 points, followed by his brother Mario Santini with 13 and last year’s MVP Veranga with 10 points. RJ Valera led Dyamic with 21 points followed by Mark Pr’Out with 12 points.
Dynamic suffered its third defeat in four outings. However, they are still in contention for a semi-finals berth if they win their last two preliminary round games.

Box Scores:
96 – GK Warriors: Santini Lancioni, 26; Mario Lancioni, 13; Yogi Veranga, 10; Ryan De Guzman, 9; Chris Clemente, 8; Herb Monsalud, 8; Dustin Coloso, 7; Ryan De Gracia, 5; Coco Clemente, 4; Sonny De La Torre, 4, Ian Clemente, 2

40 – Dynamic: RJ Valera, 21; Mark Pr’Out, 12; Mike Sanchez, 5; Francisco Palance, 2

Cortez, Defending Champ Borres, 4 others are Three Point Shoot Out Finalists

After the conclusion of the elimination rounds of the Three Point Shooting Competition, five finalists emerged to challenge defending champion Noel Borres in the finals on August 14. These five finalists are:

Player and Team                                                Points
1. Jake Cortez – Red Bulls                                    16
2. Luis Alvarez – Delaware Titans (35 and over)       12
3. Ryan De Gracia – GK Warriors                          12
4. Ken Santos – WSA                                            8
5. Herb Monsalud – GK Warriors                             8

Noel Borres gets an automatic entry in the finals for being the defending champion.

D4: Sweet Escape for GK Warriors, tops No Way, 54-52 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana

This is as good as it gets.

Unheralded Jay Baltazar's barreling lay-up shot with 8 seconds to go lifted the GK Warriors to a heart pounding 54-52 win over No Way (Maricas) in Day 4 of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro. The barreling lay-up, shot reminiscent of Philippine basketball legend Robert Jaworski, proved to be the winning basket as No Way missed their shot as time expired in the final possession of the game.

No way had actually mounted a huge comeback as they were down by seven at 49-42 with 3 minutes and 48 seconds remaining. However Ramil Magpantay and Eric Dollete of No Way triggered a 7-0 kamikaze attack to tie the count at 49 all, time down to 2 minutes in the game. Dollete hit a three point shot during that span. In the ensuing possession Tony Astoveza missed a shot but was fouled on the act of shooting. He converted two free throws to give the lead back to the Warriors, 51-49, time down to one minute and 30 seconds.

In the next possession, No Way found an open Norman Aquino who made a three point shot to give the lead back to No Way, 52-51, with over a minute left in the game. At this point the No Way fans in the arena were in frenzy and jumping for joy. In the ensuing possession, Baltazar took a shot and missed but was fouled on the act of shooting. He made one of two free throws to tie the game at 52 all, time down to 40 seconds. Still, No Way had a chance to win the game, but missed a crucial shot in its next possession. The Warriors grabbed the rebound with time down to 15 seconds.

Warriors Coach Herb Monsalud called a timeout to set up their final play in the next possession while No Way Coach Paul Micarsos gave his last minute instructions in the dramatic battle. In their next defensive sequence No Way focused on the Warriors big man Jim Reynolds, Astoveza and Dennis Balagtas. Baltazar who only had 3 points at that point went unnoticed and made the game winning shot to the delight of the screaming Warriors fans.

Early in the game the Warriors and No Way Team were locked in a tight battle. With 7 minutes left in the first half, the score was tied at 18 all. However the Warriors Big Three, Astoveza, Reynolds and Balagtas engineered a 13-4 run to finish the half at 31-22 in favor of the Warriors. Ramil Magpantay kept No Way in the thick of the fight with 10 points at halftime. He was ably supported by Marlowe Ulit and Aquino with 4 points apiece.

The second half saw a more energized No Way who answered the Warriors basket for basket. El Persons made his impact, and together with Magpantay, Dollete and Ulit quelled the challenge of Astoveza and Balagtas of the Warriors. No Way’s perseverance paid off as they tied the game at 49 all.

With the win, the Warriors grabbed the lead in the division with a 2-1 win loss record, ahead of No Way with a 1-1 record and the Delaware Titans with a 1-2 record.

Box Scores:
54 - GK Warriors: Tony Astoveza, 19; Dennis Balagtas, 14; Jim Reynolds, 10; Jay Baltazar, 5; Sonny De La Torre, 4; Ed Padilla, 2

52 – No Way: Ramil Magpantay,16, El Persons, 8; Marlowe Ulit, 7; Norman Aquino, 7; Eric Dollete, 7 Arnold Dawinan, 4; Riki Makasakit, 2; Alex Alday, 1

D4: Santini Lancioni 's 51 Points Powers GK over Red Bulls, 129-83 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Erupting with the ferocity of the Philippines Mount Pinatubo, Santini Lancioni scored a majestic record breaking 51 points to power the GK Warriors to a 129-83 romp over Red Bulls in Day 4 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. Lancioni finished the game with 14 three pointers in the most spectacular individual performance ever in the history of the PAAD Palaro league. It was the third win for the tournament leader Warriors - the only unbeaten team in the Open Division.

In the first half, it was clear that the Warriors wanted to deliver the knockout punch early in the game. The Warriors waxed hot early on in the three point range, converting twelve of them in the first half, seven by Santini Lancioni, two by Dustin Coloso and one each by Mario Lancioni (brother of Santini) and Dennis Balagtas. Red Bulls could only manage three rainbow shots, two by Raymond Latoga and one by Jake Cortez.

However, it was not only in the three point territory where the Warriors outgunned Red Bulls in the first half. The Warriors accurate mid range jump shots and layups netted them 36 points, ten more than Red Bulls. And with the firepower from Santini Lancioni, Mario Lancioni, Coloso, Balagatas and Ian Clemente, the Warriors opened up the game with a 34 point margin in the first half, 69-35. And at that point, it was all over but the shouting. At the end of the first half, Santini Lancioni already had 23 points and Mario Lancioni, 17 points. Meanwhile Latoga led the Red Bulls charge with 8 points and Frank Concepcion followed with 6 points.

In the second half, Santini Lancioni continued his three point shooting assault, converting seven more three pointers, to the delight of the fans. Latoga of the Red Bulls countered with five triples of his own in the second half. However, the Warriors have too many weapons at their arsenal. With Santini Lancioni waxing hot at all angles, Balagtas and Coco Clemente provided much needed support as the Warriors extended their lead to 109-61 with just 10 minutes remaining. Coach Karl Malicdem of Red Bulls prodded his players to fight on. Latoga, Frank Concepcion and Cortez responded and fought gamely for Red Bulls and tried to reduce the deficit, but to no avail. With both teams just trading baskets, the Warriors coasted to an easy victory with the final score at 129-83.

Coach Herb Monsalud and his charges need only one more win to secure a semi-finals berth. And at the rate GK Warriors are playing, they are on course to grab the top seed in the semi-finals.

Box Scores:
129- GK Warriors: Santini Lancioni, 51; Mario Lancioni, 22; Dennis Balagtas, 18; Dustin Coloso, 13; Coco Clemente, 9; Ian Clemente, 8; Ryan De Guzman, 4, Leo Yanogacio, 2; Herb Monsalud, 2

83 – Red Bulls: Raymond Latoga, 23; Frank Concepcion, 15; Jake Cortez, 12; Sam Borromeo, 10; Ben Wu, 6; Paul Tan, 6; Rysal Castro, 4; Jet Deleste, 4; Karl Malicdem, 3

D3: Delaware Titans avenges loss, stops GK Warriors, 63-34 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana

Displaying its finest form yet in the tournament, the Delaware Titans scored an impressive 63-34 thumping of the GK Warriors in Day 3 of the 35 and Over Division. The Titans avenged their loss against the Warriors in their first meeting and put themselves back in contention for an automatic finals berth in the 35 and Over Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament. It was the Titans first win in three games in the double round robin preliminary rounds, but another win could earn the team a mathematical chance to capture an automatic finals berth.

The juggernaut quartet of Jason Del Rosario, Jeorge Corotan, Jomar Ugarte and Luis Alvarez buckled down to work in the early goings in the first half to secure a 23-11 lead with just 3 minutes and 26 seconds remaining in the first half. The GK Warriors clearly missed the services of its big men Jim Reynolds, Tony Astoveza and Dennis Balagtas as the quartet penetrated the lanes time and time again for easy baskets. This time it was the Titans who had the big man in Jason Del Rosario who asserted himself in the boards and proved to be an intimidating force in defense. Del Rosario also had two three pointers in the first half. The Titans further increased their lead to 17 at the half, 35-18.

The Titans continued to dominate the Warriors in the second half. The score was not close but the intensity of the game was high throughout. The Warriors fought very hard but the Titans was simply the better team during the day. Sonny De La Torre, Doc Mel Madarang and Felix Vergara tried to rally the Warriors in order to reduce the Titans double digit lead. However, they were frustrated time and time again by Corotan, Del Rosario, Ugarte, and D Tapel. Del Rosario scored two more three pointers in the second half, and Corotan penetrated the lanes at times for easy layups.

“It was a great win, a badly needed win,” said a jubilant Ugarte of the Titans.

Box Scores:
63 - Delaware Titans: Jeorge Corotan, 18; Jason Del Rosario, 18; Jomar Ugarte, 14; D Tapel 7; Luis Alvarez, 6

34 - GK Warriors: Sonny De La Torre, 16; Felix Vergara, 7; Doc Mel Madarang, 5; Ed Padilla, 2; James Hoeffliger, 2; June Andres, 2

D3: GK Warriors tops WSA, 66-54 in Battle of Unbeaten Teams (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

Playing like a well oiled machine, the GK Warriors used a well balanced attack to prevail over a fighting Wala Sa Ayos (WSA), 66-54, in the battle of unbeaten teams in Day 3 of the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 Basketball tournament. The Warriors grabs the lead in the Open Division with a 2-0 win-loss record. WSA dropped to a second place tie with Baltimore Dragons with a 2-1 win-loss record.

The Warriors playing coach Herb Monsalud effectively rotated his players to build an early 41-25 halftime lead in a fast paced game. Dustin Coloso and Santini Lancioni led the first half attack with 11 points each, followed by last year’s MVP Yogi Veranga with 6 points. The four three pointers by the GK Warriors in the first half, three of them by Lancioni and one by Coloso, proved to be the lethal weapon that led to a 16 point halftime lead. Meanwhile, WSA’s scoring trio of Jeff Verneza, Alex Santos and Paul Nicdao had only 17 points in the first half.

The Warriors then coasted to victory in the second half although WSA put up a much tougher fight. This time it was WSA who unloaded their three point shooting ammunitions hitting six three pointers in the second half (3 by Nicdao, 2 by Verneza, and 1 from Roque Guerzon). And with only 3 minutes and 24 seconds remaining the Warriors lead was reduced to 9 at 60-51. However, the Warriors kept their cool and put up a scintillating defense in the final minutes of the game to seal the win at 66-54. The deeper bench of the Warriors was also evident as Chris Clemente, and Ian Clemente helped in the scoring chores in the second half with 6 and 5 points apiece.

Box Scores:
66 – GK Warriors: Dustin Coloso, 16; Santini Lancioni, 11; Yogi Veranga, 10; Chris Clemente, 8; Ian Clemente, 6; Mario Lancioni, 6; Curtis Clemente, 4; Herb Monsalud, 2; Coco Clemente, 2; Ryan De Guzman,1

54 – WSA: Jeff Verneza, 15; Paul Nicdao, 13; Alex Santos, 10; Lester Dabu, 7; Roque Guerzon, 6; Michael Alegarbes, 3

D2: WSA Stuns Dynamic, 65-45 (Open Division)

by Jun Rana

Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) continued to impress basketball fans and aficionados via a stunning win over Dynamic Physical Therapy, 65-45 in Day 2 of the Open Division of the PAAD Palaro 2010 basketball tournament. Paul Nicdao, Jeff Verneza and Alex Santos combined for 52 points to powerWSA to a resounding win that put them at the top of the standings in the Open Division with a 2-0 win-loss record. Idle GKWarriors is second with a 1-0, win-loss record.

It was a tight first half as Dynamic took the early lead, 13-11, on baskets by RJ Valera, Rich Bandoy and Ray Mann. However, the scoring trio of Santos, Verneza, and Nicdao buckled down to work and ignited an 18-10 blast to grab the lead at halftime, 29-23. Each of the scoring trio had one three point shot in the first half.

In the second half,WSA’s running game and well executed plays took its toll on Dynamic which only showed up with six players and missed several key players including playing coach Mike Sanchez, Will Barnes, Justin Mercado and Joe Miranda.

Sensing that fatigue was setting in on Dynamic players, Nicdao, Verneza, Santos and Charles Peart delivered the knock-out punch with a 32-22 attack, to put the game away at 61-45 with 1 minute and 40 seconds remaining. The foursome delivered with a combination of layups and rainbow shooting (one each by Verneza and Peart). However, it was Nicdao’s 13 points and 5 assists that were crucial in that most decisive stretch. The only guy who kept answering the call for Dynamic in the second half was Mark Pr’Out who had 13 points in that half. Former PAAD Youth player Francisco Palanca played for Dynamic and had one three pointer in the second half.

“We run out of gas. We hope to have most of our players around on July 10,” said RJ Valera of Dynamic. Nicdao led all scorers with 19 points while Mark Pr’Out top scored for Dynamic with 16 points.

Box Scores:
65 - WSA: Paul Nicdao, 19; Jeff Verneza, 18; Alex Santos, 15; Charles Peart, 9; Andre De Lara, 4

45 – Dynamic:Mark Pr’Out, 16; Rich Bandoy, 8; Ray Mann, 8; RJ Valera, 7; Francisco Palanca, 3; Reese
Pr’Out, 3

D1: GK Warriors routs No Way Team, 85-58 (Open Division)

by Jun Rana / Photo by Poochie Roldan

Defending champion GK Warriors open its bid for a third straight championship in the Open Division by unloading 14 three pointers, 5 of them by Ryan De Gracia, to rout a fighting No Way (Maricas) Team, 85-58 in the opening day of the PAAD Palaro at the PAL Hockessin on June 12 (Philippine Independence Day). De Gracia finished with a game high 21 points.

It was Dustin Coloso, son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Tim Coloso of the famous Toyota Corollas and Tamaraws who carried the fight n the first half with 12 points, including 2 three pointers. Coloso combined with Curtis Clemente who had 7 points in the first half, to put the game beyond recall 37-13, with 3 minutes remaining in the first half. Curtis Clemente, Mario Lancioni, Santini Lancioni, and Chris Clemente and Ryan De Guzman had one three pointer each in the first half, which ended 42-15 in GK’s favor.

The Warriors also displayed its tough defense which No Way had little success penetrating. Coach Paul Micarsos who was voted as the best coach of the 2009 season tried to rally his players to rise to the challenge. BJ Advento answered the call by finishing with a team high 7 points in the first half, including a triple. However, Advento did not get enough support from his teammates.

No Way made a game of it in the second half, but hardly made a dent in the lead of the Warriors who did not relax a bit in their opening triumph. It was in the second half when Ryan De Gracia put on a three point shooting clinic with five three pointers. No Way went down fighting however as Arnold Dawinan and Dave Setters discovered their shooting touch to combine for 21 points in the second half. In the end however, the superior line up of the GK Warriors proved too much for No Way Team to overcome.

“The Warriors played very hard and we got the win,” said Warrior team manager Doctor Mel Madarang. “The Warriors outplayed us and they are a much better team than last year. They have a very deep line-up,“ said Micarsos, playing coach of No Way Team.

For Coach Herb Monsalud and his charges, there is no better way to start than this resounding win over No Way, a giant first step for the Warriors to be crowned as the first three-peat champion of the PAAD Palaro League.

Box Scores:
85 - Warriors: Ryan De Gracia, 21; Dustin Coloso, 14; Curtis Clemente, 12; Dennis Balagtas, 7; Leo Yanogacio 6; Ryan De Guzman, 5; Mario Lancioni, 5; Santini Lancioni, 5; Chris Clemente, 5; Ian Clemente, 3; Sonny De la Torre, 2
58 - No Way (Maricas): Arnold Dawinan, 14; BJ Advento, 13; Dave Setters, 11; Kenneth Savella, 6; Alex Alday, 5; Jones Salpan, 4; Malowe Ulit,3; El Persons, 2

D1: GK Warriors beats Delaware Titans, 66-46 (35 and Over)

By Jun Rana / Photo by Poochie Roldan

Tony Astoveza, Sonny De La Torre, Dennis Balagtas and Jim Reynolds combined for 61 points to power the GK Warriors to a rousing win over the Delaware Titans in the first ever PAAD 35 Years Old and Over Division, 66-46. The Warriors height advantage proved to be a decisive factor, as the Warriors outrebounded the Titans 25-14 and made easy baskets inside the paint.

The Warriors took control of the game early in the first half as they raced to an early 19-10 lead with baskets from Astoveza, De La Torre and Balagtas. Jim Reynolds had at least 3 rebounds during that span and his towering presence disrupted several plays of the Titans. The Warriors padded the lead to 33-15 at half time.

Egged on by its fans, the Titans played better in the second half. Ramon Agui, Karl Ebron and Luis Alvarez dropped a 15-10 bomb to reduce the Warriors lead to 13, at 43-30 midway in the second half. Agui made a jump shot and a three point play on a layup in that crucial stretch. However, De La Torre answered back with a basket to make it 45-30. Ebron however countered with a 3 point shot, to make it 45-33. That proved to be the last stand of the Titans, as De La Torre, Astoveza, Balagtas and Reynolds unleashed a 21-13 salvo to end the game with a final score of 66-46. Reynolds continued his dominance in the boards in that stretch hauling down 2 crucial rebounds to halt the Titans run.

In the dying seconds of the game, the crowd cheered on for Doctor Mel Madarang to convert a free throw. Madarang, who is also the Team Manager of the Warriors, obliged as he made his final free throw to put his name in the scoreboard.

“The height advantage is too much to overcome,” said Titans player Joneil Garcia. “Yes, we have the height advantage. However, they may have their big player as well in our next meeting with them,” said De La Torre, team captain of the GK Warriors. De La Torre is referring to Jason Del Rosario who is still in vacation in the Philippines.

Scores:
66 - GK Warriors: Tony Astoveza, 17; Sonny De La Torre,17; Dennis Balagtas, 14; Jim Reynolds, 13; Felix Vergara , 2; James Hoeffliger, 2; Doc Mel Madarang, 1

46 – Delaware Titans: Ramon Agui,13; Karl Ebron, 8, Luiz Alvarez, 7; Ed Ortega, 5; Eggie Alafriz, 4; Jorge Corotan,3; Dodjie Allarey, 2; D Tapel, 2, Joel Villamor 2