D7: No Way Upsets WSA, 71-70 on Setters’ Free Throw (Open Division)

By Jun Rana

With the game tied and no time left on the clock, Dave Setters nailed his second free throw in front of his team’s jubilant cheering fans, to lift No Way to a pulsating 71-70 win over Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) in Day 7 of Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the third win in six games for No Way, but in the process it entered the semifinals as the third ranked team based on the quotient system. It was a heart breaking loss for WSA considered by many as a shoe in for the semi-finals.

The dramatic win was also a tribute to No Way Coach Paul Micarsos impressive coaching skills. Three teams were tied from third to fifth place, namely No Way, Dynamic and WSA. Under the quotient system, No Way and Dynamic took the third and fourth semifinal spots and WSA was relegated into fifth place ranking in the tournament.

In the unique quotient system based on the points among the three teams involved in the tie, No Way’s mission before the start of the game was not only to win but to score at least 65 points. Leading by only 2 points at the half at 23-21, Coach Micarsos made an adjustment in the second half by having the team switched from the zone defense to the man to man defense. No Way then allowed MVP candidate Paul Nicdao to either shoot a three or drive to the basket, thus making the game faster. Micarsos also instructed his players not to settle for jump shots but drive the ball to the basket. The calculated risk paid off as the teams virtually exchanged basket for basket making the game a high scoring affair.

As the two teams entered the one minute remaining mark in the game, No Way had already achieved the magic number of 65, and was leading 67-61. Coach Micarsos instructed his wards to control the ball in order to win the game. At this point Dave Setters and BJ Advento were leading the No Way assault. WSA however, led by Nicdao, Armando Concepcion and Michael Alegarbes dropped a 9-3 bomb to tie the score at 70 all time down to 8 seconds. WSA’s last shot was a three point shot by Alegarbes, his first basket for the game. This set the stage for Setters’ heroics. With time down to 2 seconds, Setters drove to the lane and was fouled on the act of shooting as the time expired. Setters missed the first free throw. However, he made the next pressure packed free throw as the No Way fans jumped for joy.

Box Scores:

71 - No Way: Dave Setters, 26: BJ Advento, 24; Rudy Mallari, 11; Alex Alday, 4; Kenneth Savella, 4; Arnold Dawinan, 2

70 – Paul Nicdao, 28; Jeff Verneza, 20; Armando Concepcion, 8; Kenny Santos, 7; Roque Guerzon, 4; Michael Alegarbes, 3

Chairman's Corner: Stage is All Set for a Dramatic Final Day on Saturday, August 14 in the 2010 PAAD Palaro

Dear All,

The stage is all set for a dramatic final day of the 2010 PAAD Palaro on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the PAL Center in Hockessin. Please be there at 9:45 AM. Hostilities start at 10:00 AM with the semi-finals of the Basketball Open Division.

Defending champion GK Warriors gun for a three-peat as they battle the fourth ranked Dynamic in Court No. 2. At this point, the Warriors are looking invincible that only Superman can give them a run for their money. Dynamic however may have other ideas in mind and can spring a delightful surprise.

Last year’s runner-up Baltimore Dragons battle Cinderella team No Way (Maricas) in the other semifinal in Court No. 1. The Dragons are the favorites but No Way is a dangerous team and should give the Dragons all they could handle.

The popular Philippine Bread House PAAD Youth Basketball Championship takes center stage at 11:00 AM with the championship game between the White Team and the Black Team.

In the Mixed Volleyball Championship at around 11:30 AM, Delaware Dabarkads and Elkton Elitz renew their intense rivalry. The Dabarkads are the defending champion and they defeated Elkton Elitz in the last year's finals.

At around 12:00 PM, we will have the 3 Point Shooting finale between defending champion Noel Borres, Jake Cortez of Red Bulls, Luis Alvarez of Delaware Titans 35 and Over Team, Sonny De La Torre and Herb Monsalud of the GK Warriors and Kenny Santos of WSA.

At around 12:30 PM, we will have the 35 Years and Over Basketball Championship between the Delaware Titans and GK Warriors, which promises to be one for the ages.

And the much awaited Open Division Championship between the winners of the two semifinal matches commence at around 2:00 PM. If the seeding holds to form, the Warriors and the Dragons will renew their great rivalry and will provide the climax to the wonderful 2010 PAAD Palaro. But the ball is round as the saying goes, and anything can happen. Closing Ceremony is scheduled at 3:00 PM.

All teams who participated will be receiving either trophies or plaques. All teams are invited and requested to have either their team managers, coaches, captains and representatives to receive their trophies or plaques.

Calling WSA, Delaware Titans Open Team, Red Bulls, No Way 35 and over and L’Spikers de Volleyball – please have your representative to receive your awards at the 3PM Closing Ceremony. So, let the championship begins.

Here is the full schedule:

Open Basketball Semifinals:
10:00 AM Baltimore Dragons vs. No Way
10:00 AM GK Warriors vs. Dynamic

Youth Championship:
11:00 AM White Team vs. Black Team

Volleyball Championship:
11:30 AM Delaware Dabarkads vs. Elkton Elitz

Three Point Shooting Contest Finals
12:00 PM Six Finalists

35 Years Old and Over Division Championship:
12:30 PM GK Warriors vs. Delaware Titans

Open Basketball Championship:
2:00 PM Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner

Closing Ceremony and Awarding:
3:00 PM

See you all on August 14. Good luck to all teams and to all athletes, may you deliver the greatest performance of your lives. And to all the fans, enjoy the exciting and magical moments of the 2010 PAAD Palaro.

Thank you very much and best regards,

Jun Rana
Chairman
PAAD Sports Committee

D6: Dynamic tops No Way, 65-60 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana / Photo by Ed Ortega

In one of the most intense battle in the tournament, RJ Valera delivered the knock-out punch through clutch three point shooting and free throws in the closing minutes of the games to help Dynamic to a 65-60 hard fought win over No Way (Maricas) in Day 6 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the second win for Dynamic in five outings to tie No Way for the fourth and last spot in the semifinals.

In a must win game to stay alive for the hunt for a semifinals seat, Dynamic proved steadier in the end game of a tightly contested game. The game was so intense that in the final three minutes of the game, double technical fouls were called on Justin Mercado of Dynamic and Dave Setters of No Way who both incurred hard fouls with each other. The two were both ejected by the referees. At that point, with Dynamic leading by only four at 50-46, Valera hit a triple to give Dynamic more breathing room at 53-46, time down to two and a half minute.

No Way kept fighting on as they cut the lead to three at 58-55 on a three point shot by BJ Advento with a minute remaining. However, two free throws by Valera and a basket by Mark Pr’Out put the lead back to seven for Dynamic at 62-55, with 40 seconds remaining. Advento hit another triple to cut the lead to 62-58 but with 25 seconds remaining. Then came Valera’s heroics who was intentionally fouled twice. Valera made three crucial free throws to seal Dynamic’s win at 65-58 with five seconds to go. No Way made the final basket of the game to make the final score 65-60.

In the first half, No Way was off to a good start with a 22-15 lead with their offense led by Advento and Dave Setters who combined for 15 points at the half. However, Valera, Mercado, Butch Sanchez and Ray Mann launched a 26-15 salvo to give the lead for Dynamic at 41-37. Advento, Setters and Alex Alday provided offense to No Way during that span. However, it was a lead which Dynamic did not relinquish until the end of the game.

Box Scores:
65- Dynamic: RJ Valera, 27; Butch Sanchez, 11; Justin Mercado,10; Ray Mann, 10; Mark Pr’Out, 7

60- No Way: BJ Advento, 26; Dave Setters, 15; Alex Alday, 10; El Persons, 5; Kenneth Savella, 2; Riki Makasakit; 2

D6: Baltimore Dragons beats WSA, 66-57 (Open Division)

By Jun Rana / Photo by Ed Ortega

After a tight first half, the Baltimore Dragons switched gear in the second half. RJ Buzon and Julio Concepcion converted eight three pointers to power Baltimore to a 66-57 victory over Wala Sa Ayos (WSA) in Day 6 of the Open Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the fourth win for the Dragons in five games to grab solo second place in the tournament. WSA dropped to third place in the tournament.

With Paul Nicdao, Lester Dabu and Jeff Verneza at the helm of their fast paced game, WSA took an early 16-7 lead. However Concepcion and Buzon answered back with an 18-7 run to grab the lead 25-23 at halftime. The teams continued to trade baskets in the second half. With WSA leading by three, 41-38 midway in the second half, Concepcion hit a triple to tie the game at 41-all.

After another tie at 43-all, Buzon hit another rainbow shot to grab the lead for Baltimore at 46-43. The basket ignited a 20-14 run for the Dragons as Buzon and Concepcion kept hitting their three point shots which proved to be their major weapons in the game. Also, Frank Concepcion made his impact with 8 points in the second half for the Dragons. On the other hand, Nicdao and Dabu of WSA tried to keep pace with the Dragons. Nicdao had two three pointers of his own in the second half. However, when the smoke of the battle was cleared, the Dragons emerged with a 66-57 victory.

Playing coach Ed Padilla played for the Dragons who withstood the challenge of WSA. The Dragons hot shooting in the game, especially in the three point territory, won the game for them. They also proved that they have good stamina by running with the speedsters of WSA in the entire game.

Box Scores:
66 – Baltimore Dragons: Julio Concepcion, 26; RJ Buzon, 24; Frank Concepcion, 11; Sebastian Cabrera, 3; Souk Gumatay, 2;

57 – WSA: Paul Nicdao, 27; Lester Dabu, 16; Alex Santos, 5; Jeff Verneza, 5; Roque Guerzon, 2; Andre De Lara 2

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

D6: L’Spikers de-volleyball upsets Dabarkads, 19-21, 21-16, 15-10 (Mixed Volleyball)

By Jun Rana

L’Spikers de-volleyball (HWBCI) shocked the Delaware Dabarkads, 19-21, 21-16, 15-10 in three sets in Day 6 of the Mixed Volleyball Tournament in the 2010 PAAD Palaro. It was an upset win by the jubilant L-Spikers de-volleybal l team. The teams agreed to shorten the third set to whoever score 15 points first and leading by 2 points.

With the win, L’Spikers finished the elimination round with a 2-2- record. Dabarkads still topped the standings with a 3-1 win loss record and had already gained an automatic entry in the finals on August 14. L’Spikers and Elkton Elitz will play in a knock-out match on August 7 to determine the opponent of Delaware Dabarkads in the final.

Chairman's Corner: Crucial Games on Saturday, August 7 - See you at 10:15am

Dear All,

On Saturday August 7, we will have the second to the last day of the 2010 PAAD Palaro which featured crucial matches. In the Open Basketball Division, undefeated GK Warriors and second ranked Baltimore Dragons will fight it out on who will be the number one seed in the semi-finals. Two semi-final seats are still for grabs between Wala Sa Ayos (WSA), Dynamic and No Way. WSA plays No Way, while Dynamic plays Red Bulls. Teams are requested to come at 10:15 AM. The semi-finals and finals will be on the last day of the Palaro which is August 14.

In the 35 and Over Basketball Division, there is a playoff game between second ranked Delaware Titans and third ranked No Way. The winner will face the GK Warriors in the finals on August 14.

In Mixed Volleyball, there is also a play-off game. Second ranked L’Spikers de-volleyball plays Elkton Elitz with the winner facing Delaware Dabarkads in the finals on August 14.

We also have the PAAD Philippine Bread House Youth Basketball tournament, where Blue Team plays the Gray Team and the Yellow Team facing the Green Team.

Here is the complete schedule:

Open Division Basketball:
Court #1 10:30 AM WSA vs. No Way
Court #2 10:30 AM GK Warriors vs. Baltimore Dragons
Court #3 10:30 AM Dynamic vs. Red Bulls

35 and Over Division Basketball:
Court #2 12:00 PM Delaware Titans vs. No Way

Mixed Volleyball:
Court #1 11:30 AM L’Spikers De Volleyball vs. Elkton Elitz

Youth Basketball:
Court #3 11:30 AM Blue vs. Gray
Court #3 12:10 AM Yellow vs. Green

Good luck to all the teams!

Thank you very much and best regards,

Jun Rana
Chairman
PAAD Sports Committee

D5: One win, one loss for Elkton Elitz in Day 5 (Mixed Volleyball)

By Jun Rana

Elkton Elitz played two games on Day 5 of the 2010 PAAD Palaro and came up with mixed results. In their first game, the Elkton Elitz defeated L’Spikers de-volleyball (HWBCI), 21-11, 20-22, 11-6 in three sets.

In its second game, the Delaware Debarkads prevailed over the Elkton Elitz, 19-21. 15-7. 11-9.



Win the win, the Delaware Dabarkads entered the finals on August 14. They lead the Mixed Volleyball tournament with a 3-0 win loss record. They are followed by L’Spikers de-volleyball with 1-2 record and by Elkton Elitz with a 1-3 record.

L’Spikers de-volleyball and Elkton Elitz will play in a play-off on August 7 to determine the opponent of Delaware Dabarkads in the final.

D5: Delaware Titans rips No Way, 56-36 (35 and Over Division)

By Jun Rana

The Delaware Titans seem to be peaking at the right time. The Titans displayed superb team effort, fluid offense and balanced scoring as they defeated No Way, 56-36 in Day 5 of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro basketball tournament. It was the second win for the Titans in four outings that put them back with a mathematical chance to capture an automatic finals berth, in the event that all teams in the Division finish with identical 2-2 win-loss record.

Bolstered by the return of its three key players, Ramon Agui, Edward Ortega, and Karl Ebron from vacation, the Titans took advantage of the offensive woes of No Way right from the start of the game. Luis Alvarez, Ortega and Jeorge Corotan had five points a piece to power the Titans to a 25-13 halftime lead.

No Way’s offense was nowhere to be found in the first half as it could only muster 13 points led by 4 points from El Persons, and 3 points each by Alex Alday and Mike Vergara. Luis Alvarez of the Titans made a running 3 point shot for the Titans as time expired in the 1st half to the delight of the Titans fans.

In the second half, the Delaware Titans continued their scintillating game. Agui found his vintage form to lead the offense in the second half with 9 points, including exceptional free throw shooting (making 5 out of 6). Teammate Jason Del Rosario, provided his rebounding and shooting prowess and contributed 6 points in the second half.

No Way however did not flinch in the second half as Alday and Persons traded baskets with the Titans. Alday had 8 points and Persons had 5 points in the second half. However, those points were not enough as No Way were not able to put a dent on the Titan’s lead. The Titans went on to outscore No Way 31-23 in the second half, which put the final score at 56-36 in Titan’s favor.

The loss dropped No Way to third place in the standing with a 1-2 win loss record. The second and third place teams at the end of the elimination round will play on August 7 to determine the team who will meet the first place team in the finals on August 14.

Box Scores:
56 - Delaware Titans: Ramon Agui, 9; Luis Alvarez, 8; Jason Del Rosario, 8; Jeorge Corotan, 7; Edward Ortega, 7; Eggie Alafriz, 5; Arnel Lalicon, 4; Karl Ebron, 2; Jomar Ugarte, 2; D Tapel, 2; Joneil Garcia, 2;

36 – Alex Alday, 11; El Persons, 9; Ramil Magpantay, 4; Jay Lizardo, 4; Mike Vergara, 3, Paul Micarsos, 3, Riki Makasakit, 2