New Lifers facing tough title defense

MGC-New Life Christian Academy will have its hands full as it guns for a three-peat in the Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association Season 13 juniors basketball tournament, which tips off on 13 January at Don Domingo Yu Chu Memorial Gymnasium.

The New Lifers are coming in with a huge target on their backs after winning the last two stagings and the boys of coach John Sia are definitely coming in as the favorites in the famed Chinese-Filipino athletic competition.

But eight other schools are out to deny that dream led by Jubilee Christian Academy, Saint Jude Catholic School, and hosts Uno High School in this season which has Jumbo Plastic serving as the season sponsor.

Completing the cast are Philippine Cultural College, Grace Christian College, Pace Academy, St. Stephen High School and Hope Christian High School.

Teams will play in a single-round elimination, with the top two teams earning an automatic semifinal berth while the third to sixth-ranked teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The last two teams standing will vie for the crown in a best-of-three championship series.

Aside from the basketball competition, teams will also compete in volleyball, badminton, table tennis, swimming and chess.