UAAP begins inaugural basketball tournament for high school girls

The University Athletics Association of the Philippines considers as historic the opening of its first ever basketball tournament for high school girls on Saturday at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

Participating schools in the demo sport included Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

"This a big step by the UAAP, which will not [just] help the UAAP women's basketball, but the Philippine women's basketball as well," UAAP basketball commissioner Jensen Ilagan said about the tournament. "To expose the girls to this type of competition at a very early stage and to be that developed already even before they step into college, this initiative will really help the Philippine women's basketball," he added.

In its first game, Adamson powered through Ateneo, 121-44.

Adamson Lady Baby Falcon Joan Camagong registered the tournament's first basket, and eventually ended up with 23 points. "Pakitang-gilas lang po, pero di ko akalain na makakadami ako ng puntos kasi ang mindset ko talaga is mag-assist ng mag-assist. Pero ewan, bigla ako na-excite paghawak ko ng bola," Camagong said about her performance.

"Kapag nakaka-score ka tapos nagpapalakpakan sila, napakaganda sa loob," the Nasugbu, Batangas native said.

Mia Miguel topped the Lady Baby Falcons in scoring with 24 points.

For Adamson head coach Ewon Arayi, today's game is more than just winning as they also etched their names in UAAP history. "Itong laro namin na ito, sabi ko sa mga bata, laruin lang natin. No pressure kasi blessed na tayo na kasama na tayo sa bumuo ng unang tournament for high school sa UAAP," Adamson head coach Ewon Arayi said.

Ateneo's Andrea Sarmiento listed 17 points, 15 of which were made from rainbow country.

In the second game of the tournament, Erika Danganan towed UST to victory against DLSZ, 63-45.

Danganan made 21 markers and nine boards. Asked about her mindset going into the game, the team captain shared, "Mindset ko is i-lead yung team para umangat yung laro nila, and ganun naman ang nangyari."

"'Yung mga bata, [nag-]start kami gigil kami eh. Parang nanibago pa pero nung third quarter, nakabawi na kami, di na sila kinakabahan," UST head coach Joan Grajales said about their win.

Next Saturday, Adamson will face UST while La Salle will go against rivals Ateneo.

Dream come true

Playing in the UAAP as early as high school is a dream come true for most of the girls.

"It's the dream to play for the school kaya we got to play harder and do our best along the way," Ateneo's Sarmiento said. "It's an honor to be one of the first teams to play in the high school division," she added.

For Adamson's Miguel, playing her first game in the UAAP was an overwhelming experience. "Nao-overwhelm po ako kasi since first time ko po and pinangarap ko po since junior high school na makalaro sa UAAP," she said. "Sabi sa amin ni Coach, wag kami matatakot magkamali kasi po 'yung pagkakamali namin, doon kami mag-grow and if kaya go lang," the Bicol region-native added.

For UST's Danganan, the tournament is a platform where they can show their skills. "Meron na kaming opportunity na ma-showcase ang talent namin. Napakasayang opportunity and sobrang saya na unang game namin panalo kami," she said.

A step towards development for women's basketball

The coaches of the four participating schools agree having a basketball tournament for high school girls is the start of an improved program for Philippine women's basketball.

"Ito na 'yung simula ng pinapangarap nating programa para sa grassroots natin or programa para sa college natin. Hindi na mahirap mag-recruit for UAAP women's [basketball]" Adamson's coach Arayi said.

"Pag nag-continue itong program for high school, magandang foundation ito for college. Di na mahihirapan 'yung recruitment, di mabibigla 'yung mga bata to play sa higher level kasi dito pa lang, nade-develop na sila," she added.

Ateneo head coach Ron Camara echoed Arayi's sentiments. "Para sa akin, maganda kasi nade-develop yung women's basketball, aside from college. Kumbaga, nagkakaroon ng feeder from senior high school to college."

The coaches also believe the exposure the players will get from participating in the league will help them spot potential players for the national team.

"Sana magtuloy-tuloy kasi di lang naman para sa UAAP ito kundi para sa basketball team ng Pilipinas," UST head coach Grajales said.

DLSZ head coach Ginny Velarde agrees with Grajales. "The recruitment and strengthening of the basketball program, [magsisimula] way younger. Mas maagang mas-spot 'yung special talents. Mas maaga silang made-develop, ma-guide," she said.

UAAP basketball commissioner Ilagan is also excited for the future not just for the tournament, but for the development of players as well. "Right now, we have four teams. Hopefully, in the next seasons, we'll have participation from all the participating schools," Ilagan said.

"It's really exciting since these are the first games, and [it's] very historic. It's very exciting sinong magiging superstars and I think most of these players will be part of the women's seniors division." —LBG, GMA News