FD ’06 ON TETRAVALENT STREAK

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By Patrick Lujan

The Jungle was filled to capacity as fans witnessed the Class of 2006 win its fourth straight title. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Class of 2006 is in the midst of building a basketball dynasty.

Just seven years removed from graduating from Father Duenas, 06 captured their fifth FD Alumni Basketball Tournament championship Tuesday night with a 63-49 win over 2004 in the title game.

It is their fourth championship in a row and five in six years – tying the Class of 1991 for second all-time. The Class of 1982 holds the record with seven titles – a record easily within reach with such a talented, young team. And it’s not like they’ll be losing anyone via trade or free agency.

“Throughout the year, we have our eye on trying to get the most titles, but once the tournament starts every year, we put that to the back and focus on the tournament itself,” said McDonald’s Player of the Game Rob Leon Guerrero. “We really enjoy playing amongst us brothers because we don’t play as much as we’d like.”

McDonald’s Player of the Game Rob Leon Guerrero

The agile big man was the catalyst for 06, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds while 04’s Willie Stinnett did all he could for his class with 22 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort.

The talent was on display once again in the 2013 edition of the unique all-boys alumni fest.

In front of a packed crowd, the two teams came out neck-and-neck as the inside games of both Leon Guerrero and Stinnett with 04 actually taking an early 11-7 lead off a 3-pointer from Napoleon Finch.

That’s before 06 started reining treys of their own from all over, hitting 5-of-6 from downtown as Julius Yu, Brian Aflague and Andres Reyes got into the party. That was just a part of a huge 25-6 run that turned out to be the deciding factor.

Leon Guerrero had a monster first half with nine points and seven boards on their way to a 34-25 halftime lead.

The closest 04 would get in the second half would be 43-36 on a three-point play by Stinnett, but the 06 inside trio of Leon Guerrero, TJ Balajadia and Pascual Artero were too much down the stretch as 06 left no doubt as to who the best FD hoops class there is.

04’s Matt Leon Guerrero is heavily guarded by younger brother Rob Leon Guerrero as he drives to the hoop. (photo by Jesse Castro)

BROTHERLY LOVE

While Big Rob (who wears a size medium t-shirt) was owning the inside, his older brother Matt (04 point guard) had the undaunting task of guarding his bigger brother on a number of occasions down in the low post.

“I was a little intimidated to try and get in there,” Big Rob said about posting up on his brother. “I think I was trying to take it back to childhood days, but when we’re in The Jungle playing, it’s a lot different than playing back at the house.”

“He’s just a lot bigger and a lot stronger,” older brother Matt said. “I know he could’ve come harder at me. I think he eased up a little.”

GOVERNOR’S PERSPECTIVE

The Hon. Eddie Calvo (’79) was also on hand not only to watch his class take the masters championship earlier on over ’85-’87 but to watch his son Vinson’s class take it all the way.

“This (tournament) throws me back 30 years. I feel about 50 pounds lighter, I have two good knees and I still have to worry about my complexion. It’s great to be back to FD,” Gov. Calvo joked.

“This is great for camaraderie with all the classes who come together and share the brotherhood.”

Calvo’s Chief of Staff, Frank Arriola, led ’79-’80 to the 32-23 win over the bruising mid-80’s team with 14 points. Bill Mesa had 16 points for the losing team, including five 3-pointers.

Amongst the standing-room-only crowd in The Jungle were alumni Sen. Ben Pangelinan, dentists Andrew Eusebio and Tony Rapadas, Judge Robert Torres, Attorneys Pete and Ton Perez and businessman Sonny Ada.

THE RECORD

Class of 1982: 7 championships

Class of 1991: 5 championships

Class of 2006: 5 championships

“It’s fun to talk about (the record),” Leon Guerrero added. “But reality is we’re not there. Right now I think we do a good job enjoying the ride and enjoying each title as it comes.”

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The Class of 2004 came out with a bang with flags, loud music and a spirited entrance. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Player of the Game Rob Leon Guerrero takes it to the hole for two of his 14 points. (photo by Jesse Castro)

06 point guard Brian Aflague is fouled by Matt Leon Guerrero in first half action. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Rob Leon Guerrero shoots over big brother Matt for the bank shot. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The five-time champions huddle after winning yet another title. (photo by Jesse Castro)

After the game, both teams led the singing of the FD Alma Mater in which all alumni stood to sing along. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Family and supporters snap shots of the winning team after the championship game. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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