No. 9 possible for RP 3-on-3 youth cagers

THE 3-ON-3 basketball team kept the Philippine campaign going in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, blasting the Central African Federation, 22-13, Saturday to remain in contention for a top 10 finish in the country’s favorite sport.   Jeron Teng  scattered nine points and hauled down nine rebounds while Cris Michael Tolomia contributed seven points and five rebounds for the Nationals,  who scored their second win in the consolation pool.   Fil-Am Bobby Ray Parks Jr., son of many-time PBA Best Import awardee Bobby Parks, and Michael Pate added three points each as the Filipinos clinched at least 12th place.   The Filipinos, who lost the first three of their four elimination games to fall into the consolation bracket, will next battle Iran, a 29-17 winner over New Zealand.   The winner of the RP-Iran game today stays alive for a shot at ninth place  Monday.   “We are now 12th place minimum,” said RP coach Mon Jose. “If we win against Iran tomorrow (today), we progress to another game Monday, which we need to win in order for us to finish 9th place.”   The Nationals, who beat South Africa for their first win, overwhelmed a tall CAF squad made up of  6-foot-8 Jean Mbakoutou, 6-3 Neil Londuomon, 6-2 Rodrigue Kabylo-Bereke and 5-11 Anthony Gouzhy.   Meanwhile, RP delegation chief of mission Mark Joseph announced his election as secretary general of the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation. Named to different committees were former Asian Games champion Ral Rosario (swimming), Luisito Mangahis (water polo), Marie Dimanchi (diving) and Reina Suarez (synchronized swimming).