Bantayan, Alcoy Draw First Blood in Gov’s Cup Hoop Openers

The squads of Bantayan and Alcoy towns embarked on their title bids on a bright note after carving out separate victories in the opening day of the 2nd Governor’s Cup Inter-Cities/Municipalities Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the New Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City.

First, Bantayan rode on the game-long brilliance of Romeo Sumbi to sink the Sta. Fe Seaferers, 83-58, in the north division before Alcoy downed Boljoon, 68-61, in the south cluster.

Sumbi came into the game with guns blazing and led Bantayan in quelling off repeated comebacks by Sta. Fe en route to scoring 33 points, spiked by four triples. Providing Sumbi the needed support was Ren-Ren Ortiz, who poured in 14 points.

During the opening ceremony, Gov. Hilario P. Davide III was elated that more teams are participating in this year’s tournament, hoping that it would be as exciting as the first edition where the Minglanilla Archangels won the crown.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to all the mayors who supported the tournament, as well as the people who made this second Governor’s Cup happen,” he said.

This year, the tournament has attracted 45 teams, 10 of which were newcomers, including Catmon, Poro, Daanbantayan, San Francisco, Cordova, Aloguinsan, Tabuelan, Tabogon, Moalboal and Carcar City.

The governor said that sports like basketball could unite people from different walks of life, aside that it fosters friendship.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, for her part, said the tournament not only aims for physical development, but is also meant for the mental and emotional well-being of the participants.

As an added bonus, she said, the league opens opportunities for scholarships to potential athletes who are recruited by universities in Manila and Cebu as varsity players.

The opening ceremony was graced by Michel Lhuillier, chairman of the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) and his wife Amparito; as well as Mrs. Jobel Angan-Davide, the wife of the governor.

Also present in the event were members of the Provincial Board, Cebu’s 1st District Cong. Sam Sam Gullas, CPSC executive director lawyer Ramil Abing, and mayors from various towns.

One of the highlights of the opening day was the holding of the search for Ms. Governor’s Cup, which was won by Lorraine Hann of Consolacion for the north division and Nicki de Mouran of Talisay City for the south division. A special award for the early bird team went to Tudela town, while Boljoon won the best in uniform.

Meanwhile, the Mayors League beat the Provincial Board, 66-61, in an exhibition match before the start of the twin bill offering.

The Governor’s Cup, which was launched last Sunday, April 15, will run for three months.

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