ASEAN School Games

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

The Philippine girls’ basketball recently captured the championship at the ongoing ASEAN School Games, defeating hosts Singapore, 82-32.

“My players here learned a lot,” said coach Denden Velez. “They will raise the bar of competition back home.”

“This will really motivate other players to work harder on their game,” he added.

Included among the team roster were Kentjane Pastrana and Princess Fabruada, both of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School in Silay City.

“Even ordinary girls from the province can compete and be part of the national team through hard work,” said the coach. “I hope to help some more players back home.”

Meanwhile, 17-year-old James Lozañes of Estancia, Iloilo captured gold in the javelin throw, breaking both ASEAN School Games and Philippine records.

The Estancia National High School student threw a distance of 66.39 meters, beating the ASEAN School Games record in the 700g Javelin event of 62.28 meters.

He also broke the record he set at the 2017 Palarong Pambansa of 59.46 meters.

“I never expected to surpass the recent record,” he said.

The tournament ends tomorrow, July 21./JSG, WDJ