INDAHAG National High School Lady Skyhawks pulled their greatest escape ever in yet another unforgettable finals history against archrival Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS).
Like in their elimination round match-up, the Skyhawks overcame the Lady Cavaliers from MOGCHS by just the skin of the teeth, 42-41 to capture the secondary girls crown of the 1st CdeO Public Schools Basketball Challenge last Sunday at the Nazareth gym in Cagayan de Oro City.
It was a very emotional finish for the Skyhawks who managed to persevere despite the low-scoring game of their top gunner Dhana Marie Dalagan.
Hobbled by foul trouble, Dalagan was limited to only 10 points.
Indahag waxed hot early, racing to a 17-4 run to close out the first quarter at 18-7 lead.
Things went awry, however, for the Skyhawks after Dalagan picked her fourth foul in the 5:13 mark of the second quarter that forced her to sit on the bench in the entire third quarter.
Without Dalagan, Shiela Mae Godez stepped up to put some sting on the Skyhawks’ offensive drive. Dalagan returned with still 5 minutes and 28 seconds to go in the fourth and final quarter. But the troika of Estrilla Dequiña, Niña Mejia and bull-strong Honey Jade Janubas conspired to give MOGCHS its first taste of the lead, 36-35.
MOGCHS made it 38-36 on a basket by Janubas.
In the last two minutes of the ballgame, MOGCHS found the missing link in Dhana Marie’s younger sibling, Wendy Dalagan and another one, Mahistrado.
The three of them fought the Cavaliers toe-to-toe en route to a heart-stopping victory.
Godez scored 15 points for the Skyhawks, even as Dalagan—who converted a crucial steal with over a minute left—got the MVP trophy.
Mahistrado, who secured the win for Indahag by making one of his two freethrows in the waning seconds, joined Dalagan in the mythical five along with Janubas, Godez and Muffa Mae Somo.
Maria Shanelle Estrada was named most improved player, while coach Noel Miel of Indahag was adjudged as best coach.
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