Xavier program shines in age-group tourney

MANILA, Philippines — Xavier School again proved it has crafted a reliable blueprint for a credible basketball grassroots program after ruling four out of five divisions in a recent age-group tournament for kids.

The San Juan-based squad took home the 9-under, 10-under, 11-under and 12-under crowns of the Got Skills tournament, stamping its class against tough rivals.

“Our grade school program is focused on developing fundamentals and the right basketball habits,” said coach Glenn Gacutan, who steered the school’s 9-under squad to the crown opposite Marist.

“But more importantly, we always make sure to instill values of hard work, discipline and selflessness.”

Xavier’s 9-under squad was led by the spitfire duo of Patrick “Peecoo” Napeñas and Duncan Siao in a 48-32 victory over Marist during the title match.

Napeñas, who had 16 points and eight boards, was named Finals MVP.

“The long-term goal of the program is to help young kids be part of Xavier’s winning tradition and make them well-rounded student athletes who don’t neglect their academics,” added Gacutan.

Xavier basketball has become one of the best feeder programs for collegiate leagues, producing the likes of former Ateneo star Chris Tiu, former La Salle hotshot TY Tang, former Santo Tomas gunner Jeric Teng and current La Salle mainstay Jeron Teng.

Tiu, Tang and Teng are now with Rain or Shine in the PBA.

Incidentally, Ryan Yu, the Finals MVP of Xavier’s champion 11-under squad is the son of ROS co-owner Raymund Yu.

Yu had 10 points in Xavier’s 46-43 triumph over San Beda-Taytay.

Xavier defeated Marist, 62-53, in the 12-under championship behind Diego Alandy-Dy’s 26 points.

In the 10-under title clash, the Golden Stallions leaned on Keith Wong Chu King’s 14 points and seven rebounds to turn back Marist, 38-31.