PBA Winnipeg in Detroit tournament

The Philippine Basketball Association WPG Inc. was well represented in Detroit for the Filipino Basketball Association of North America’s Labour Day Basketball Tournament.

Six teams represented Winnipeg with five making it to the championship.

Winnipeg’s Men’s Open Division prevailed against their number one rival Toronto in a tough battle. The MVP honours were shared by Jonar Huertas and Joseph Medrano. The whole crew played superbly, including JC Aaron, Tre Morcilla, Randel Viray, Kniel Sullera, Vince Munoz, and Harold Memita.

Winnipeg’s Senior Division, led by MetroBaller Carl Eusebio, surprised many. They won all their games thanks to the veteran players who handled the ball skilfully in a close fight. Pol Limpahan and Rob Adelantar were both named MVP.

Winnipeg’s Ladies Open Division almost won it all but ran out of time. Sisters Paige and Julia Schatkowsky, the “Twin Towers,” played a tough game making up for the loss of Aina Ramos due to a knee injury. Coach Arsenio dela Cruz did a wonderful job despite being short on players.

Winnipeg’s defending champions, Grandmaster, lost to the younger and much bigger Toronto team. Ronald Coching battled admirably through the big Toronto players and kept it close only to meet defeat in the end. Coach and manager Romy Muñoz promised to get the trophy back again.

The 2006/2007 Boys team fought until the last buzzer. With Robin dela Cruz injured and outsized by the bigger Chicago team, they kept the game close. The “import” players made it tough for the Winnipeg team, which chose to go with an allFilipino line up. The league thanks Coach Arsenio and Marie dela Cruz for all their hard work.

After maintaining a 3-0 record, Winnipeg’s Six-foot and Under Division lost their semifinal game against the home team, Detroit. Home court was a clear advantage with Detroit Fans filling the venue, but every team member played well. The team thanks the coaching staff of Wendel Mozo and the Boyz.

PBA Winnipeg thanks all the volunteers, coaches, and players who represented the city of Winnipeg – especially their major sponsor Romy Munoz of Munoz Silk Screen Printing and manager Riz Mapue. – PE