Kankunis wrote their own story and made history as they took home the title of being the 3rd Champion Team in CSS league last Dec. 18, 2010 at WCC.
It’s been a tough, physical, and crucial game, but Kankunis captured the CSS league as they finished the finals with 57-53 points over Arsenals.
The Championship Game
The first quarter seemed not a good start for Kankunis as they know that it’s their best chance to lead the game, but failed to do so as they only able to make 10 points by the end of the quarter while Arsenals acquired 11 points.
Their second string for the next quarter was not enough against the power-house cast of Arsenals but, despite their height disadvantage, the team’s notorious defense didn’t give an opportunity for the opponent to advance much as the Arsenals only manage to score 4 points higher ending the 2nd quarter at 20-24 mark.
The second half was the time for both teams to contain their best lineup on the court. The big men of Arsenals were serious on doing their job, and Kankunis players were forced to push their defense to its limit. It’s been a seesaw of score for the 3rd quarter and end up with 36-37 in favor of Arsenals.
Then it was crunch time. The game turned more breathtaking. The score since the start of 4th quarter was all in favor of Arsenals. On the last 2 mins, Arsenals advanced against Kankunis at 43-51. They almost lost hope with 1 min 36 secs remaining until Sir Monroe Paulino exhibited instant action with his fast break, making a 3 point-play. It was the team’s turning point. It was followed by another steal of Ramon Ocampo, also a 3 point-play. It was a shock for Arsenals… particularly that their main men Jerameel Bautista and captain Grei Bona were fouled out on the last few minutes of the game. The crowd grew wild when Ocampo scored for a 3 point basket… spinning the score over in favor of Kankunis for the first time on that quarter with 52-51. More fouls were called, and with the last seconds, Ocampo sank both free-throws that sealed Kankunis’ championship title ending the game with 57-53 score.
The History
During the preview of the league, no one ever imagine that this team will enter the final four as they were always at the bottom of the standings since the inaugural season of CSS Basketball League. Until the opening bout that they surprised everyone when they pound the Online team. Though they cut short on their second game, it was all obvious that Arsenals didn’t have an easy escape against their defense. Then, their next 2 games against Sentinels and Titanium Elite were painless, bringing them on top of the elimination… a tie with Arsenals at 3-1 standing.
The two-game semi finals match with Online team was excruciating. They lost their first game… some were injured, others were fouled out, technical fouls were called… it was all dirty, and Kankunis lost control. But come second game, they regain their composure and signed their slot on the finals via 69-55 win. The championship game was remarkable. It’s an up and down battle between the top 2 teams of the season. It was a rough and close fight, but after 4 grueling quarters… endurance and determination put Kankunis on top. Over the past 3 years of CSS basketball league, this is the first time that Kankunis won over Arsenals. Too bad this was the championship game, the game that Arsenals should have not lost… as this was their much awaited time to enter the finals. Sadly they cut short on the crucial part of the game, giving sweet victory for Kankunis. Predictions were then right that this is a day that Kankunis will always remember.
The Captain
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| during time out |
It was always believed that Captain Ramon Ocampo solely works for the win. On the contrary, it was impossible for him to single handedly bring Kankunis to championship as basketball for all we knew is played by a team. The captain’s role is to make sure that everyone on his squad is working well on their post, and he was perfectly fit for the job. He brought out his team’s potential. He knew that these guys have the ability and capability to win and that’s what all they did. It was faith, drive, and power that brought Kankunis to victory. It was pure team work. It’s what Champions are made of.
The Team
#0 Ramon Ocampo - The team’s captain. The league score leader. MVP performance.
#7 Rolfe Garcia - Provided a lot of hustle on their opponents. He showed the true role of a big man inside the court.
#8 Randy Francisco - Delivered outstanding performance in defense.
#9 Frank Zapata - His points were badly expected by the team. He is the main man of Kankunis’ second unit.
#10 Ryan Alberto - Kankunis won’t be able to survive without his rebounding skills. He is the muscle of the team. Don’t dare to bump on his way, or you’ll be smack down.
#11 Monroe Paulino - The team’s adrenalin. Never gives up on any loose ball.
#12 Valor Calauor - Best point guard. He dictates the tempo of the play.
#16 Peejay Perez - Showed quality game time with his shooting prowess.
# 17 Rex Ignacio - Expressed support for the whole team.
#19 Deo Jose - His running skills brought a lot of steals for Kankunis.
#21 Allain Umalin - Got the nerve of steel, injury wont stop him on getting the rebound.
#24 Rudolf Chua - Took advantage on all scoring opportunities. Never missed getting a basket on every game.
#26 Johan Santos - Surprised everyone by bringing a lot of pressure against the other teams.
Who knew that these guys who were never serious on the floor get monstrous on the court? All were astounded with their defenses that brought out a lot of sweat on their foes. They showed that it is not experience that will dictate the game, but a heart that never gives up, a heart of a true champion.
The Sixth Man
Inside the court were 5 players of the team battling for the game, but on the bench were the team’s sixth men. These were the ones who cheer, shout, and cry on every shoot, foul, and fall.
They are the heart of Kankunis. To Ninay, Jan, Mich, Janna, nurse Richelle, and the other halves of Kankuners, I commend everyone for your dedication and love for the team. You served as their inspiration.
We only fought 7 battles, and we lost 2 games. We have come a long way… but after all the bruises, scratches, and sprains, we were able to take home the victory… It is not the trophy or the rings that will be treasured, but the team work, friendship, and memories that we share.
To Kankunis, you don’t need the bragging rights… ‘coz you already gain their respect… Your defense, team work, and determination marked history on the CSS Basketball league and that’s the thing that you should all be proud of. Wear your championship rings with pride and honor, 'coz you proved who’s the king on the court. I’m looking forward on watching you play again. See you all guys next season.
This article doesn’t mean to offend others but to sing praises for Kankunis. After all… they deserve this glory… they deserve to be called Champions!
