By John Cairns
YUNG SHUE WAN, Lamma Island, Hong Kong – When players shimmy, shake, fake or flutter to deceive opponents, those aren't even the best moves in the Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League (LIPBL). The most exceptional (and delicious) skills aren't seen on the local basketball court, but rather in nearby kitchens.
Tasty food for players, and sometimes for fans too, is one of the league's best features. Invariably, food materializes after the games. Sometimes players or league officials also snack before, or even during, games. “Often it looks more like an eating party than a sports event,” said one spectator.
Prepared by team supporters or sponsors keen to encourage and nourish league participants, the food turns the post-game sidelines into a mini-party, akin to a community picnic. Winning players celebrate victory, and those who lost devour comfort food. Even the referees indulge.
Spaghetti, roast chicken, sandwiches and cookies appeared at the games on October 30. As players warmed up just before a key contest between the Lamma Archers (blue uniforms) and the Awesome Tigers (green), a Tigers player lingered near the scorers' table. With a plate in hand, he ate heartily, munching on chicken (surely not the best way to prepare for running and jumping, but Tigers are fierce carnivores). Finally, a teammate approached, saying, “Hey, man. This is no time to eat more chicken.”
Earlier, as the Gray Hawks and the Lamma Lickers (yellow) played, a special treat reached the scorers, timers, announcers and other courtside officials. During a lull in play, a player from a different team approached the scorers' table with a box of fresh cookies. “These are for the league committee,” he said. “My wife made them.”
People working at the scorers’ table immediately reached into the box and began to chew happily, their cheeks bulging. Despite a generous supply, the cookies soon vanished.
As for game results, the Tigers rallied furiously in the second half, roaring to an 89-85 victory. At half-time, the Archers had led 52-43. Then they lost their scoring touch and saw a two-game winning streak snap.
The high-flying Hawks outgunned the Lickers 106-85, but not before the underdogs snarled. Looking inspired, the Lickers erased a 16-point halftime deficit and might have taken control, but the Hawks refused to co-operate and replied with their own scoring spree.
The Hawks-Lickers game featured yet another family “duel". Veteran Rolan Nocedo plays for the Lickers while his son, E.J., leaps and lunges with the Hawks. “I still can chase him,” Roland likes to joke about his fleet-footed son.
Any reference to the league's leading families also must include the Fernandez clan, which has three players: George and J.P. with the Lickers and Jeff with the Tigers.
The Gray Hawks and Tigers remain tied for first. The Archers stand alone in third, followed by Huggen D’ass (red) and the Lickers. When play resumes on November 6, the Hawks and Tigers face each other, as do Huggen D’ass and the Lickers.
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LIPBL Standings
Gray Hawks (gray) – 4 wins, 1 loss
Awesome Tigers (green) – 4 wins, 1 loss
Lamma Archers (blue) – 2 wins, 3 losses
Huggen D'ass (red) – 1 win, 3 losses
Lamma Lickers (yellow) – 1 win, 4 losses
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