GMC Flying Dragons Crowned NBL Youth – South Cavite Champions
News Bulletin #13
By: Sharon Dorotheo | Contributor: Lhizanie Baroga
Tagaytay City — Demonstrating composure, discipline, and strong team execution under the leadership of Head Coach Paul Ramos, GMC Flying Dragons secured a decisive victory with a final score of 74-60, successfully capturing the NBL Youth – South Cavite Championship.
The Finals Game was held on January 18, 2026, at the Sotogrande Clubhouse in Tagaytay City. The championship match featured Guang Ming College’s Flying Dragons against the defending champions, Team Tanza.
The Finals night unfolded with intensity and precision as the Flying Dragons, guided by Coach Paul Ramos alongside Assistant Coaches Dale Termoso and Julian Ramos, faced the reigning champions and delivered a performance marked by confidence and control. Arnejo set the early tone with a three-point shot, quickly followed by another from Basco, powering GMC to a strong 16–7 first-quarter lead. As the contest tightened in the second and third quarters, the game evolved into a highly physical and tactical battle. Through disciplined execution and steady composure, the Flying Dragons maintained their edge, entering halftime ahead at 29–27 and carrying a narrow 48–45 lead into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, GMC elevated its play to championship level. Anchored by disciplined defense, efficient ball movement, and timely scoring, the Flying Dragons pulled away to secure a decisive victory. The collective excellence of the team was highlighted by outstanding individual performances, led by second-year standout Brian Topacio, who was named Finals MVP. He was joined in the Mythical Five by John Reign Basco and Abdul Gian Oxillo, capping a Finals triumph defined by professionalism, resilience, and championship-caliber execution.
Tournament Overview:
The NBL Youth-South Cavite League officially opened on October 18, 2025, with games held every weekend, and concluded in January 2026. The tournament featured competitive matchups among teams from South Cavite and nearby areas, highlighting emerging young talent in the region.
For the current season, the Guang Ming College (GMC) Men’s Basketball Team joined the NBL Youth – South Cavite (Under-21 Category) as part of its long-term player development program. The league served as a valuable training ground for the team’s junior players in preparation for their upcoming competitions, particularly PRISAA, Pinoyliga, and their main international engagement, the BLIA Cup 2026.
The NBL Youth Program is the official youth division of the National Basketball League (NBL-Pilipinas). It is a grassroots developmental league that provides competitive basketball opportunities for young athletes across the country. Its parent league, the National Basketball League (NBL-Pilipinas), was founded in 2018 by Celso “Soy” Mercado with the objective of showcasing local talent and providing competitive platforms for community-based teams. Both club teams and school-based teams are welcome to participate in the league.
The championship marks another significant milestone for the GMC Sports Development Program, reflecting the effectiveness of its commitment to athlete development, competitive exposure, and sustained excellence in basketball. This victory also represents the program’s second championship title, following its triumph in the PCCL Cup 2023 held in Naga City, Bicol.