Historic Victory: Davao Eagles Secure First-Ever Basketball Win at Palarong Pambansa
The Davao Eagles basketball team secured the first-ever gold medal in the Palarong Pambansa's secondary boys' division, surpassing their five previous silver finishes. On Friday, May 30, the Eagles scored a decisive 67-51 victory over Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
The triumphant journey began with coach Jess Evangelio, who, two weeks prior, called his team "history-makers" and dared to dream of gold. The Eagles not only won but also etched their name in the annals of Davao basketball, putting an end to a five-year streak of silver finishes.
Key players, Jhonmark Peligrino and Rene Clert Baterbonia, set the tempo with 19 points each, spearheading a second-half surge that propelled Davao to a commanding lead. Despite a stellar showing by WVRAA's ace guard, Luke Rose, the Eagles maintained their composure and never let their grip on the match loosen. Baterbonia's exceptional play earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title and a spot in the mythical five.
Coach Evangelio expressed his gratitude for the team's dedication and perseverance. His statement, "We are truly blessed that Davao is finally a champion," emphasized his hope that this inspires young basketball players in Davao to stay loyal to their roots.
The route to glory was far from effortless, as the team endured four hours of rigorous training sessions each day leading up to the competition. Building team chemistry amidst the 11 core Ateneo players and three reinforcements proved challenging, but the Eagles overcame these hurdles. The team members represented Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), the Philippine Academy of Sakya, Holy Child College of Davao, and Davao del Norte Regional Sports Academy.
This historic win marked an emotional moment not only for the team and their coach but also for Davaoenos, who have long awaited such an achievement. The Eagles' dominance during the eliminations, where they swept Western Visayas (67-55), Ilocos Region (72-69), Barmm (133-53), and Mimaropa (102-26), solidified their status as formidable contenders.
The quarterfinals and semifinals posed stern challenges, but the Eagles showed immense resilience. They cruised past Northern Mindanao (76-48) before edging Central Luzon in a close 66-65 semifinal finish. Their grit was truly tested during the semifinals, where they demonstrated an unwavering determination that characterized their winning culture.
Coach Evangelio emphasized the importance of hard work and faith, which he believes contributed significantly to the team's success. This victory, following his formative years as a player on the 2010 Davraa secondary boys' team in the Tarlac Palaro, serves as a testament to Evangelio's dedication to the sport and his coaching philosophy.
The Davao Eagles' basketball team, following their historic win, has etched their name not only in the annals of Davao basketball but also in the education system of Davao, inspiring young athletes to pursue sports. This triumph also marked a significant moment in the city's cultural milestones, with Manila now acknowledging Davao as a formidable force in basketball and sports.
Despite the Eagles' dominance in the Palarong Pambansa's secondary boys' division, their road to glory was fraught with challenges, including rigorous training sessions and building team chemistry. Key players like Jhonmark Peligrino and Rene Clert Baterbonia, however, rose to the occasion, setting the pace and spearheading the second-half surge.
Baterbonia's exceptional play was recognized with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, solidifying his spot in the annals of basketball in Davao and the Philippines. Coach Evangelio, a former player on the 2010 Davraa secondary boys' team, attributed the team's success to hard work, faith, and the indomitable spirit that characterizes Davao sports culture.
The Eagles' victory is expected to foster a new wave of enthusiasm for sports in Davao, with the hope that future teams will carry on the winning culture instilled by the Davao Eagles. This win serves as a testament to the potential and talent that lies within the city, creating a ripple effect that could shape Davao's sports landscape for years to come.
