A youth basketball program that began with individual skills sessions has delivered an international championship for the Filipino community in the Gulf.
Focus Mentality Sports, a UAE-based development initiative, claimed the first-ever Batang PBA Middle East U14 crown while representing Converge FiberXers in Doha, Qatar. The team competed against clubs from across the region and emerged as champions, marking a breakthrough moment for the young organization.
The program was launched in 2021 as a small training setup by Coach Lester E. Ganotice and his wife, Chachel Joy Ganotice, before being formally established in 2022 under SOLAR GROUND FZE. What initially centered on personal skill development gradually expanded to include organized teams, one-on-one coaching, and sports event management. Its growth was driven by an emphasis on discipline, faith, and structured fundamentals.
“The journey has been nothing short of a blessing,” Ganotice said. “When we started in 2021, Focus Mentality Sports was simply a small skills training program built on passion, faith, and the desire to help young athletes improve one workout at a time.”
He said the program concentrated on fundamentals and character formation despite early limitations. “There were challenges—limited resources, building trust with families, and establishing our identity—but we stayed consistent with our mission.”
That foundation carried into the Batang PBA Middle East tournament, where Focus Mentality fielded both U14 and U16 squads. Ganotice was also invited to attend a press conference in Bahrain in support of the inaugural staging of the regional competition.
For the younger division, mindset proved decisive. “What made our U14 team stand out during the Batang PBA Middle East in Qatar was their mentality,” he said. “Talent exists everywhere, but mindset separates teams.” He noted that the players embraced discipline and shared responsibility on the court. “They trusted one another and embraced their roles fully.”
Ganotice added that preparation extended beyond physical drills. “We prepared them not just physically, but mentally—teaching them how to respond to pressure, adversity, and high-level competition.” Against experienced teams from across the Middle East, the group maintained composure and cohesion. “They played with heart, unity, and purpose.”
The U16 squad, meanwhile, finished fifth. Their campaign included early setbacks, dropping their first two games before adjusting. After those losses, the coaching staff conducted game viewings to address mistakes and recalibrate the team’s approach. The shift in attitude became evident in the final two matches, where they secured back-to-back wins.
“Although we faced internal challenges and had some egos to manage after the early matches, the players humbly learned from those moments,” Ganotice said. “They realized that individual pride must be set aside for the success of the team.” He described their late-tournament performance as a turning point. “That transformation, more than the ranking, is the true success story of our U16 journey.”
Winning the U14 championship while carrying the Converge FiberXers name added significance to the achievement. “Representing Converge FiberXers at the Batang PBA Middle East in Qatar was a huge honor for our program,” he said. “Making history as the first-ever Batang PBA Middle East U14 Champions in Qatar was emotional and humbling.”
The championship roster included Luis Buraga, Sean Alexander Laggui, Miggy Campolet, Whiz Khalifa Abad, Tristan James Evangelista, Jaxtein Sy Wilson, Drake Tabio, Vince Papa, Rafael Berdonar, Sean Dungao, Angelo Espidillon, and John Achilles Agra Penalosa.
Beyond competition results, the organization continues to widen its reach within Dubai. Focus Mentality Sports currently operates in Al Nahda, Oud Metha, Al Barsha, Al Rigga, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, with plans to extend into other Emirates and expand outside the UAE.
