CAGAYAN de Oro City — A month before leading his team to an international basketball championship in Singapore, Coach Arvin Martinez was at a hospital bedside, worried about whether his son and starting guard would even make the trip.
His son, Leba Deomidi “LD” Martinez, had undergone emergency surgery just weeks before the 3rd World Youth Championship.
At the same time, the team was dealing with passport requirements, DSWD guardianship clearances, medical expenses and other financial hurdles.
The pressure was heavy, but Coach Arvin tried to keep the mood light.
“Mabilin gyud si Tatay sa Singapore, manghugas ug plato kay wala ta ibayad sa hospital didto,” he joked.
The joke eased the tension. For the team, giving up was never an option.
TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY. Head coach Arvin Martinez, right, stands alongside his son and starting guard, Leba Deomidi “LD” Martinez, as LD holds the U11 World Youth Championship trophy following A-Team Pilipinas' gold-medal victory in Singapore in August 2026. LD recovered from emergency surgery weeks before departure to help the Cagayan de Oro-based team sweep the tournament. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Youth Dreamers Org.)
Community steps in
As word spread about the team's financial and administrative challenges, members of the Cagayan de Oro community stepped up to help.
Neighbors, sports leaders and grassroots advocates helped the team raise funds and complete travel requirements, allowing the young athletes to represent Northern Mindanao in Singapore.
The journey also marked a milestone for the A-Team program, which was established a decade ago to develop young basketball players from local communities and create a pathway toward higher-level competition.
“Clarity overpowers adversity,” Coach Arvin said.
CDO team takes Singapore gold
The team, composed of 14 boys and one girl and led by captain Jayden Matthew Fernandez, faced tough competition in Singapore.
Their biggest challenge came in the championship game against the host Singapore Basketball Academy at the Australian International School.
The home team had a significant height advantage, but A-Team relied on defense, quick transitions and teamwork.
“When we saw the size difference, I knew we had to play smart, play aggressive, and work hard as a team,” said tournament MVP Rafael Peja Cabusca Reyes.
The strategy worked.
FAMILY PRIDE. Tournament Most Valuable Player Rafael Peja Cabusca Reyes, right, celebrates with his grandmother, left, while holding his U11 Division 2 MVP trophy and commemorative board in Singapore in August 2026. Reyes led the Cagayan de Oro-based A-Team Pilipinas to a tournament sweep at the 3rd World Youth Championship, defeating host Singapore Basketball Academy in the final. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Youth Dreamers Org.)
A-Team's pressure defense forced the host team into difficult possessions while fast breaks and unselfish ball movement kept the CDO squad in control.
From the bench came a simple message: “Trust each other. Help each other. Work together.”
By the final whistle, A-Team had completed a tournament sweep and captured the 3rd World Youth Championship title.
Reyes was named tournament MVP, but he credited the achievement to the entire squad.
“Receiving MVP was a proud moment,” Reyes said. “But it was really the result of the whole team fighting together and never giving up.”
For Coach Arvin, the victory was especially meaningful.
Standing on the podium with gold medals around their necks was LD, who had recovered from surgery and made it to Singapore.
After everything the team had overcome, Arvin had only one response.
“I just thanked the ever-loving God.”
For the young hoopers from Cagayan de Oro, the Singapore championship was more than a trophy. It was a reminder that faith, family, community support and teamwork can carry a team through adversity.
WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONS. Head coach Arvin Martinez (back center) and tournament MVP Rafael “Peja” Cabusca - Reyes (front left, holding award board) celebrate with Cagayan de Oro’s A-Team Pilipinas after capturing the U11 World Youth Championship title at the Australian International School in Singapore on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. The championship roster includes team captain Jayden Matthew Quilongquilong - Fernandez, Leba Deomidi Caño - Martinez, Kyle Ivan Sia - Lui, Robine Neil Bayhon - Dy, Zach Timothy Delgado - Ong, John Louie Lim - Tan, Vien Nikolo Tiro - Enterina, Marquis Johan Po - Go, John Alexander Dacut - Datinguinoo, Victoria Caitlyn Apit - Oco, Zion Ed Wayne Canosa - Notarte, Andrei Emmanuel Tupas - Abella, Cole Matteo Yu - Sia, and Zac Harrison Salarza - Rontal. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Youth Dreamers Organization)
