STINGRAYS TAKE ON TAGAYTAY GIRLS HOOPS

PRESS RELEASE – The Stingrays, a small contingent of middle school and high school athletes, recently competed in the 1st Tagaytay Highlands Girls Basketball competition in Martinlupa, Alabang in the Philippines. 

A total of 14 athletes in the U14 and U17 divisions tested their mettle against several college, high school and club teams from the Alabang area. 

In the U14 division, the Stingrays, made up of all middle school athletes, defeated La Salle Zobel to advance to the championship match against HOPE Club. 

Comprised of 13 and 14-year-olds from Cavite, Team HOPE jumped out to a high-pressure zone to harass the Stingray guards. The two teams jockeyed back and forth much to the fans entertainment. Unfortunately, the Stingrays couldn’t hold on and Team HOPE pulled away for the championship. 

In the U17 division, the Stingrays lost to La Salle Antipolo to drop to the bronze bracket. Comprised of mostly 14-year-olds, the Stingrays played tough, but eventually slipped in their matchup against the La Salle Zobel team to fall out of medal contention. 

The three-day tournament was an exposure tournament for the Stingrays with more than half of them getting their first taste of international competition. The opportunity to play a different style of basketball against talented teams allowed them to level up and see what’s on the horizon for the young hoopers. 

For Mackenzie Flores, there was some nerves heading into the competition. 

“I had never experienced an off island game or people that I have never played before,” the 11-year-old said. “Even though I was still nervous, I got yelled at, but that gave me more confidence to adjust my game and do better.”

For the SIFA 7th grader, given the chance, she hopes to do better and compete well the next time she gets to play off island. 

Freshman standout Suri Sanchez said the opportunity to play a new position against high-caliber competition was tiring, but well worth it.  

Playing the point was new, she said, but she embraced the experience even though she was playing against college players in the U17division. 

“Personally, I love playing against high level teams. It teaches me to navigate the court better and play responsively,” the 14-year-old said. “The lesson that I’ve learned in this tourney is to just play the game and outwork my potential.”

Given the opportunity, the Academy of Our Lady of Guam freshman said she’s looking forward to continue playing off island. 

“It helps me grow by developing my skills and challenging me. The players are skilled, games move faster, and the physical contact is greater,” she said. “Although the refs were unfair at times, it taught me to stay focused and keep pushing. It showed me what I need to work on and made me a more versatile player.”

The Stingrays Basketball Club is a local group that focuses on skill development, honing and sharpening talent among female basketball players as well as finding and providing competition opportunities for its athletes. 

U14 roster 

Ashley Douglas 

Emily Duenas 

Aya Fejeran

Mackenzie Flores

Kina Jose

Laurel Osborn

Riley Roberto

U17 roster 

Shurae Aidel 

Jillian DeCastro 

Suri Sanchez 

A’ani Shiroma

Eva Starr

Anaiah Taylor

Serenity Wusstig