The 7th John Geesnell Baba Yap inter School Hoop Cup will reel off on Saturday, July 25 at the Booy covered court at AM.
A parade of all participating teams will precede the opening hostilities which is set to start at the Plaza Rizal passing through the main thoroughfares of the city to the venue of the games at 7:00 AM.Â
The participating teams in the high school competition have increased to 14, with the participation of the Holy Trinity School Foundation Trinitarian Knights as its newest member.
Likewise, two (2) of its former members have made their re – entry to the tournament in Tagbilaran City Science High School Virus and the Bohol Island state University Maroons.
The 7th John Geesnell Baba Yap inter School Hoop Cup promises a stiffer competition this year as Bohol Wisdom School Golden Dragons, the defending champions, will stake its title against their arch rival, Holy Spirit School Crusaders A, which was reported to have overhauled its line up to maintain its competitive form in their desire to get back to the place where they belonged.
Other challengers include; Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School Cyclones, last years bridal finishers; Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Harbingers; Mansasa National High School Blue Marlins; Lance Academy Lancers; Bohol International Learning Center Phoenix; Internationale Academe of Ensciema; Bohol Wisdom School Vanguards; Holy Spirit School Crusaders B; and the Bai Cristobal Camp All Stars.
Leading the pack in the mini basketball category are the Holy Spirit School mini Crusaders A; Bohol Wisdom School mini Dragons A; Grace Christian School Yellow mini Eagles; Grace Christian School Blue mini Eagles; Holy Trinity School Foundation mini Trinitarian Knights; Mherne Graham Memorial School Marion; Holy Spirit School mini Crusaders B; Bohol Wisdom School mini Vanguards; and the Bai Cristobal mini Stars.
The high school level will be played in a single round robin elimination. After which the top 4 teams shall advance to the semi finals which will play another round robin. Then the top 2 teams shall dispute the championship in a best of three series while the next 2 shall play for 3rd place in a make or break scheme. While in the mini category, the teams will play against each other for 1 round robin and the best 4 teams will get into the semi finals. They will play another round robin after which the top 2 teams will fight for the championship in a best of three series. Then the next 2 settles the 3rd place in a do or die game.
In an interview with this writer, the host and sponsor of the tournament city Mayor John Geesnell Baba Yap said, “I am always in full support to the cause of the youth and sports. Undertakings, like this one, will divert the focus of our youth to some productive activities like making themselves; in tip top shape to be able to compete decently with the other schools aside from helping them to achieve their lifetime ambitions to make it to the big leagues. Likewise, this will instill upon them the good traits-and discipline of good citizenry which hopefully will lead us to a crime free society.”
The prizes at stake are:
High School:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mini Category:
Champions            Php8, 000                     Php5, 000
1st Runner – up           5, 000                            4, 000
2nd Runner – up: Â Â Â Â Â 3, 000 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3, 000
The 7th John Geesnell Baba Yap inter School Hoop Cup is ably supported by Bohol Tropics; First Consolidated Bank; Grandmas Purified Drinking Water; Atty. Gamaliel Bonje; DyRD AM; Kiss FM; and Barangay Council of Booy.