2011 HRBA SPRING INVITATIONAL
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT GRAND FINALE (June 2011)
June 18, 2011, a beautiful sunny day, not too cold, not too warm as jubilant parents, players, coaches, managers, volunteers, guests and spectators gather all together at Milton Leisure Centre for the final jump ball in the 2011 Spring Invitational Basketball Tournament. The final day has come to determine the champions and the second best in this season. A special treat for everyone will be to find out this year’s Free Throw and 3-Point Shootout Champion in their respective divisions thus making the occasion more interesting among the crowd and motivating as an individual player. The sound of music courtesy of Rey Badua, HRBA’s Director of Operations, pounding on every corner of the gym makes it even more appealing and lively.
The buzzer had just started to fill in and echoed like a boomerang signaling the start of the much awaited clash of the titans in HRBA. The promising and delightful kids representing the Tykes Division takes their stand on the court to open the finale. The impressive and unbeaten Brampton Warriors goes up against the well improved AJS from the town of Milton. It was a hard fought from the Miltonians, but the cohesiveness, quickness and confident plays of the Warriors was so prevalent and made them the first HRBA Champs in the Tyke Division. Christian Poyser’s overall exceptional performance since the start of the tournament was the biggest factor for Warriors winning streak and was chosen as MVP. Ethan Santos was very confident and whipped AJS representative by one point and declared victorious in the first ever Free Throw Shootout competition designed for Tykes Division. Trophy as a token of his achievement was awarded by Vince “Benny” Fermo, our Director of Operations.
The second game was another test of supremacy as the unbeaten Spartans of Mississauga battle it up against the keen and inspired Rangers in the Bantam Division. The Spartans behind the shooting prowess of Tim Tesoro and Mathew Diaros who scored 11 points each was unmatched to the vibrant performance of Ephraim David and Joseph Nanes’ total output of 25 points leading their team all the way until the very last tick of the game. The Spartans came closed but not enough to stop the Rangers from winning and getting the first title of 2011 HRBA Champs in the Bantam Division. The consistent and unswerving performance of Efraim David averaging 19 points per game catapulted him as the MVP for the 2011 season. The halftime shootout was probably the most exciting as Joseph Nanes of Mississauga Rangers and Yoel Haile of Milton Pythons B tossed up and tied the score in the initial round forcing to another set, now within a reduced time of 30 seconds. To the surprise of many, Yoel Haile, with his consistent balanced and persistence, won effortlessly the coveted title as the first HRBA 3-Point Shootout Champion in the Bantam Division.
The third and final match was between the Milton Pythons and Psalm 92 of the Senior Division as they collide to prove each other’s sharpness and dominance in the court. It was another test of demonstrated agility and strength among each other but the superb performance displayed by Jun Canoneo triggered the offense of the Pythons and clobbered Psalm 92, 52 – 47 and succeeded in securing the gold and sustaining the unblemished record of 5 – 0 win / loss record in the entire league. Jun garnered total points of 29 points, 9 coming from the three point stripe and was declared the MVP in the Seniors Division. Consequently, Milton Pythons became the first HRBA Champion, the very first major title, an achievement worthy of praise and honor. Psalm 92 despite the loss has somebody to be proud of as Mo Reyes humbly displayed his true marksmanship skills and won the desirable 3 – Point Shootout King in HRBA’s Senior Division.
A million thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated and competent HRBA officers headed by our proficient President & CEO Wil Angquiangco and partners Ariel Robles, Vince Fermo, Rey Badua, Gani Gamil and Julio Permejo who conscientiously made all efforts and means possible to make this gigantic event a success. Likewise, the unyielding support of all volunteers, scorers and timekeepers Neil Robles, Carmina Angquiangco and Marie Maranan, referee Jing and Omar Agris from PITO who tried their very best to make the game under control and organized was another key to this event’s grand finale a whopping sensation. The presence of Mr. Mani, owner of Super Deal Pizza and a proud sponsor who awarded the trophy and medals for AJS Milton, runner up in the Tykes Division, was also worthy of recognition. It was a great pleasure as well for Mr. Anthony Chua of AJ’s Pinoy Store another guest and major sponsor, who was chosen to give honor to the Mississauga Spartans, 2nd place in the Bantam Division<
The ball continues to roll as we look forward for another HRBA’s program, coming soon this Fall, the 2011 ESCARPMENT INVITATIONAL CUP. Feel free to browse www.hrba.ca for more details and updates.
HRBA Invitational Basketball Inaugural Tournament (May, 2011)
The much awaited 201 HRBA (Halton Region Basketball Association) Invitational Basketball Tournament has finally kickoff last Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School in Milton, Ontario.
Three (3) exciting divisions: Tykes, Bantam and Seniors will be this season's age category requirements. A total of ten (10) teams from the region of Halton and Peel will be competing and vie for gold and supremacy. Rounding up the Tykes Division are the Warriors from the City of Brampton, the rampaging Georgetown Tamaraws from the Town of Halton Hills and the elite AJs from the Town of Milton; Representing the Bantam Division are Milton Pythons A, Milton Pythons B, Mississauga Spartans and the Mississauga Rangers; BRO Milton, Milton Pythons and Psalm 92 all stood tall and ready to battle toe to toe in the Seniors Division.
The Mighty and strong little Warriors from Brampton and the well built Tamaraws from Georgetown clashed for the first time to formally open the 2011 season. The Warriors were so quick and sharp as they dominated the game and crushed the Tamaraws 76 – 8. Top scorers Nishaan Brar, Chritian Poyser, Mckay and Chochan combined for 34 points assuring them of a spot in the winning column. It was followed by the battle of the teens in Bantam Division. The Pythons A in its first ever major participation in a league, showed their competitiveness as they mix up with the experienced Rangers from the City of Mississauga. It was a closed and tight game in the first few minutes, not letting each other go, but the swift moving Pythons A gobble up the Rangers and had their first taste of victory at 52 – 40. Leading the team was Pocholo Del Prado and Neil Robles who contributed 11 and 7 points respectively to outscore the Rangers. This season is not only for the kids as two (2) groups from our Senior Division, BRO Milton andMilton Pythons, the 35 years old Dads to forties and up, tried to outrun and tested their ever shining talents in the third and final game of the day. It was a very good and electrifying matchup between the two as the game became more intense and breathtaking in the dying seconds of the final quarter. The score was either even or one point ahead, but the audacious Pythons conquered the pressure and prevails in the game by only a basket at 47 – 46. Bong Galang scored a game high of 21 points to lead Milton Pythons to its first win. Elmer Puno added 10 points to steal their triumph.
The inaugural day I can say was a success. The kids and the parents were all very happy and delighted in general as they watched their children having fun playing basketball. One of HRBA’s main goal and objective was to provide recreation and competition in a friendly environment and we do hope we were able to bring this feeling to everyone. The newly established league is a baby in this field of event, but will gradually emerge as a giant and something to look forward in the years to come.
Many thanks to and appreciation to the Team HRBA led by their able President – Wil Angquiangco, Vice-President – Ariel Robles and Director of Operations Rey Badua and Benny Fermo. The unparalleled support displayed by the Volunteers through the initiative of Cathy & Carmina Angquiangco, Rachelle Fermo and Marie Maranan. Completing the lists of table officials are James Fermo, Neil Robles, Erika Best, Adrian Angquiangco, Irene Seow, Dennise Badua and Marinette Nebres. A well deserve applause to PITO headed by Jing Agris for the fair and honest officiating which acts as the main soul for the smooth and successful running of the games. The ever talented and witty Joseph Aguilar of X-JHEDStudios based in Kitchener, who has been responsible for the creation of our unique and informative website, was another guy worthy of commendation. The sponsors trough generosity of Dr. Suzette Calimlim-Sauco of Dentistry at Clarkson, Dr. Solon Guzman of Dentistry in Milton, The Sun Barbecue Co. Catering Specialists, Pepsico, Russel Metals, AJs Pinoy Store, Aji Sai, Gorrud’s Auto and Super Deal Pizza were all very supportive which enables us to sustain the organization financially and reach the point where we are right now.
This is just a start, a spark that will soon be a fire warm enough to supply heat for a bigger engine and run another season of Basketball and Youth event in the future. Have a good one guys. There will be more games and fun to come.
PYTHONS VS LAKAN (March 04, 2011)
It was a cool, frosty and windy night outside the walls of T.L. Secondary School in Mississauga, immovable along the skirts of Hurontario Street, just steps away West of Dundas Street, where the new comer PYTHONS take on the all seasoned LAKAN quintet as they battle for momentum and advantage. The gym after a busy day where court floors wrap with moving sneakers, kids jumping, running, shouting was suddenly taken over by boisterous uproar and cheering of parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, players as they come together once again for another night of skills and talent displays.
A cozy and warm atmosphere welcomed me, a sense of satisfaction had captured me as I enter and watched the visiting Lakan Team and Pythons warm up and getting ready to mix up, run and play.
The first quarter was really a test of strength, wit and skill as the Python’s best head toe to toe with Lakan’s finest led by Jonathan Cruz and Jeffrey Tanseco. Second man Hubert Villaruz and point man Harrison Buenafe of Pythons was again relentless and unstoppable never giving up any space and room for Lakan to break away. The hefty James Fermo was so strong at low post and had been in control of the ball most of the time offensively and defensively.
The following minutes as the game progress was dominated entirely by the LAKAN team and finally gain the initial advantage going thru the upcoming 2011 HRBA Spring Invitational Tournament this coming April in Milton.
A million thanks to Coach Jerry Tabula of Lakan for taking time to bring the group. The event would not be successful without the all out support of Coach Ross, Benny, the parents and volunteers. Thanks everyone, catch you later guys.
TEAM CRUSH VS TEAM GOBBLE (February 28, 2011)
The first pre-season games gets under way last Friday, February 18, 2011 with a clash between two (2) groups from Pythons Basketball Club, Bantam Division, the CRUSH and the GOBBLE team. It’s been four months now since the club was formed, trained and finally came up with two promising teams that are ready to mix up with diverse competitors to put up to the test their ability and skill in the upcoming HRBA Spring Invitational.
It was a tough run for both teams, as there was never a single time where the difference in margin is big. Both squads never let each other come freely to get baskets. The CRUSH team spearheaded by the swift and quick Harrison Buenafe was unstoppable both outside and inside the lane, penetrating even against the huge walls engineered by 6 footers Pocholo Del Prado and Adrian Angquiangco of the GOBBLE Team. Dawood, on the other side together with Joseph Nanes and Bryce Reyes was so relentless and unshakable in both defense and offense trying to get the go ahead basket, but the tough and resilient plays of Miguel Quiza, Neil Robles, Joshua Gonzales and the strong, hefty James Fermo was overwhelming and the Crush Team finally prevails in the end, (70, 64).
It was a night to be remembered as the players had their first taste of heat and pressure as they battle for supremacy within the courtyard of the Pythons. The success could be well attributed to the expertise and game tactics shown by Coaches Ben Gonzales and Jojo Quiza. The all out support and assistance from the organizers, Wil the main game official of the night was superb, the quick –witted Benny and Cathy not missing any points and call as they eagerly follow every minute of the game until the final buzzer.
HRBA Organized (December, 2010 - Press Release - ATIN ITO: Vol. 35 No. 12)
We are very proud and excited to announce the newly created HALTON REGION BASKEBTALL ASSOCIATION Inc. (HRBA) based in Milton, Ontario.
An early spring activity will be on its way focusing on the youth (boys/girls) and seniors as well that promises to bring a lot of fun and recreation among our kids and developing at the same time the importance of self discipline, proper attitude towards future challenges, teamwork and sportsmanship on one's life as being displayed and exercised in the sports of basketball.
Halton Region Basketball Association Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in the town of Milton by a group of professionals who are committed to give their time and effort to bring together basketball enthusiasts is an atmosphere of friendly competition. All participants will have an opprtunity to be a part of various events in programs geared towards development as a whole.
Our program of events for 2011 is currently in the making and will be announce as soon as finalized. The first activity is our inaugural basketball tournament scheduled to open April 2011. House rules for the tournament are now being formulated and will be available to would-be participants as soon as finalized.
Participating Age Groups in 7 Divisions:
35 Years Old and Above
14 Years Old and Below
15 Years Old and Above
VENUE: Milton District High School
396 Williams Avenue, Milton ON L9T 2G4