Unexpected freshmen shock: The Angelicum Blue Owls sits as Toyota Chairman’s Cup Champion

by Orlando Gamilla Jr. and Colene Briones 

IN AN UPSET for the ages, the Angelicum School Iloilo Blue Owls, a team composed entirely of rookies, defied expectations and stormed their way to the Toyota Chairman’s Cup championship, burying Centerphil Montessori on an eight-point hole, 96-88. 

The Blue Owls began with a sloppy start, falling behind early due to defensive miscues. But this young team showed incredible heart, battling back and taking control by the second quarter. Rodyl Andrei Corsino’s hustle and Leo John Lapastora’s clutch three-pointer were key in this turnaround.

Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats for the final half on a one-point circus, 85-84 in favour of the Silver Knights. 

The game remained a nail-biter with the score constantly going back-and-forth. In a dramatic finish, a crucial foul call sent Ray Allen Bañes, the team’s top scorer with 26 points, to the free throw line with seconds remaining. Bañes coolly sank the game-tying free throw, forcing overtime, 85-85.

“Teamwork is what really won us this game,” said Bañes, who was personally scouted by Coach Bebot Gumapas. “The way we helped each other on the court was incredible.”

This championship victory is a testament to the coaching staff’s belief in their players. Assistant Coach Albert Nabo, who works alongside Coach Gumapas, explained, “We knew these rookies had potential. We just needed to mold them into a team, and they truly delivered.”

Nabo continued, “Our initial goal was just to finish fourth, but Coach Bebot and I always believed we could reach the championship. Thank God we were able to achieve it!”

Proving the seasoned coach right, it can be recalled that the Blue Owls forced defending champs, Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) to bow down after remaining on their toes in first game’s narrow defeat, then finally putting a stranglehold on the Red Phoenix on Game 2, 105 – 101.

Now, they set their sights on a bigger prize: representing Iloilo at the Chairman’s Cup Philippines, against Negros, Guimaras, Capiz, Cebu, Palawan, Antique, and Cagayan de Oro in the on August 14 to 18, 2024 in Iloilo City.