ISLANDERS TAKE TAGAYTAY TOURNAMENT

The JFK Islanders avenged an early tourney loss, defeating the Tagaytay Science Technical Institute 88-86 to claim the 3rd Annual Tagaytay Highlands Basketball Tournament Thursday.

The Madrazo twins — Jordan and Josiah — capped off their senior season with a dominating performance on both ends of the court to stifle the normally potent TSTI.

Up by 20 most of the first half, TSTI broke out a full court press late in the third that limited the JFK offense. However, Genesis Babauta came in clutch under the basket to maintain a double-digit lead going into the fourth.

Late in the fourth, TSTI pushed up the length of floor, harassing and rattling the JFK guards. Making good use of the clock, the Tagaytay team steadily ate into the deficit. Down by five, a botched handle landed into TSTI territory where they capitalized on the free throw line.

With only a two-point gap at 88-86, the home team fouled, sending an Islander to the line. He missed both, but stingy team defense from the Islanders kept the home team at bay and awarded JFK the title.

“The last chapter of my high school basketball career ended today in the 3rd annual Tagaytay Highlands basketball tournament,” said Josiah Madrazo. “It feels great to win the championship with my boys. It’s also gratifying to know that we beat a team that featured several really good players who were in their mid to late 20s.”

As far as his senior season, Madrazo said he was extremely happy with his performance.
“I thank Coach Rey (Serafico), Coach Cy (Concepcion) and especially my teammates for trusting me with the ball,” said Madrazo who averaged 18 points, 9 boards and 9 assists in a season that combined all schools on island

OKKODO WINS THIRD

In the third place game, the Okkodo Bulldogs rode a balanced attack to eke out the 52-49 victory against Santo Niño de Praga.

The Bulldogs, who were playing without seniors Jude Lopez and LeBron Nimeisa, suited up seven players for the bronze finish.

Riding a small rotation, the Bulldogs held a double-digit lead much of the first 3 quarters. Sanyo Niño de Praga switched to a man the length of the floor to frustrate the Okkodo guards. It worked as they found easy buckets in transition.

However, the Bulldogs hit a few key baskets in the final minute to ensure the lead and the hardware stayed in their hands.

“I feel like our team did what we could not just to win or have fun, but for us to grow and improve as a group and individually,” said senior guard Ethan Solidum.

“The experience out here was something to enjoy and connect us more on and off the court, he said, adding, “Playing against new players with different play styles is definitely a way of learning while loving what we came out here for, to compete.”