Conquering International Courts in FCAAF and PCYAA Invitational Games

Five student-athletes from MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) joined a selection of basketball varsity players from various Filipino-Chinese high schools, and hammered out an impressive 2-1 record in the Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) and Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) Invitational Games last May 20 to 24 in Quanzhou and Xiamen, China and June 9 to 16 in Yilan, Taiwan.

New Lifers Trey William Chua (Grade 12) and Jack Kenaz Cheng (Alumni Batch 20), alongside selected players from Chiang Kai Shek College, Philippine Cultural College (PCC), Jubilee Christian Academy (JCA), St. Stephen’s High School (SSHS), Paco Citizen Academy Foundation, Makati Hope Christian School, and Saint Jude Catholic School (SJCS) comprised the dominant FCAAF PEAK China Selection Team. 

The FCAAF PEAK China Selection Team took off for Quanzhou and Xiamen, China, to face off against Jin Jiang 2nd High School, Shi Shi Overseas Chinese High School, and Xiamen University in the FCAAF invitational games. The FCAAF team finished their run in China with a bang and set an impressive 2-1 record in all three games. 

Following the FCAAF invitational games, the PCYAA Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Taiwan Selection Team traveled to Yilan, Taiwan, to compete in the PCYAA invitational games and set a similar  2-1 record in three matches against the teams from Huey Deng High School, Chong Hwa Junior High School, and Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School. 

Chua, and  fellow New Lifers Adam Uy (Grade 11), Adrian Tan (Grade 11), and recent graduate Karl Yue (Alumni Batch 20), were selected by Head Coach John Sia for the PCYAA Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Taiwan Selection Team along with other players from SSHS, PACE Academy, Grace Christian College, SJCS, JCA, PCC, and Uno High School.

Going up against Huey Deng High School, the PCYAA team finished their first game strong, cementing a final score of 52-44. Chong Hwa Junior High School was knocked out in the second game, as the PCYAA team stormed ahead with a 15-point lead, finishing with a dominant 62-47 score. However, in the last game against Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School, the PCYAA team’s run ended with a close 2-point defeat, 54-56.

Despite the team’s hard work on the court, developing chemistry was the team's biggest challenge. The players were initially hindered by rivalries, as they had  competed against one another in the recently concluded Season 11 of the PCYAA Basketball Juniors Division.  

“It was quite difficult playing with each other since it was the first time we met and became teammates,” said Yue. 

However, the players learned to set aside their differences, strengthening their bond as a team, which allowed them to achieve greatness in every game. 

Uy testified, “As time went by, after practicing and practicing, we eventually got the hang of it and learned to communicate better as a team which helped us play our best.” 

The team not only spent time on the court preparing for their daunting matches but also took their personal time as an opportunity to foster their relationships with one another, resulting in a more united team on the court. 

Chua shared, “What helped was when we spent time outside the court shopping, eating, and playing games in our rooms. It allowed us to get to know each other and form a stronger bond which improved our chemistry on the court.” 

As a result of the team’s relentless drive to succeed and unanimous goal to win, the team beat all odds, advancing with full force through each obstacle, united as one.

The FCAAF and PCYAA invitational games were a significant opportunity for the New Lifers to display the fruits of their hard work and discipline. The games also further established MGCNLCA’s dominance in the student-athlete arena, adding to the MGCNL basketball team’s many laurels with multiple students chosen as representatives. 

Indeed, it was a memorable experience for the New Lifers to brandish their God-given skills and proudly represent the school as they conquered international courts.