REJIGGED YAP BENGUET ALL – STARTS SET AGAINST PBA MOTOBLUB

March 1, 2025 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Two former PBA standouts will re-enforce Benguet’s top basketball players with this year’s All – Star Games set March 1 at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium. After getting clobbered by a taller and more experienced
motoclub, the Cong. Eric Go Yap Benguet All – Star led squad will find an unlikely ally, James Yap and Mark Pingris, to fortify their line -up and avenge their lopsided loss last year. “Because we lost last year in a blowout, I called on my
‘cousin’ to play. Although he is from Negros, he is still my cousin,” Yap said in jest.

James, and Pingris will be joined by some of the top players of the Cong Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup – Benguet
Basketball League led by most valuable player candidate Kim Padawag of Itogon, La Trinidad’s Will Kean Lee and
Bryan Gravilez, first season’s most valuable player Cyril De Vera of Tuba siblings John Ray and Jhun Ric Buenaventura of Bokod together with Kyle Naisod and Yzer Neil Palispis of Kabayan. Itogon’s Lenz Antolino will also be in the line – up that includes Kurt Tamiray from Atok and Nicanor Menzi from Tublay, Rudolf Eilinger of
Kapangan, scoring king Lindon De Guzman of Mankayan, Jerry Olsim from Buguias, and Bakun sharpshooter Ryan Contada.

“As for me, I will be playing longer in the floor, so I will be better prepared,” added the two – term legislator. The PBA Motoclub will field JJ Helterbrand, Rico Maierhofer, brothers Ranidel and Yancy De Ocampo, Alex Cabagnot, Gary David, Cyrus Baguio, KG Canaleta, Jerwin Gaco and Ryan Araña. “So mark your calendars, free admission for all Benguet residents on a first come first served basis!” The All-stars comes before the finals of the Yap Cup, both basketball and volleyball. La Trinidad will defend against Itogon in men’s basketball, while unbeaten Sablan faces upstart Tuba in women’s volleyball.

Pigeon Lobien/ABN