CHICAGO - Tucked in the Mission Hills enclave of swanky San Fernando Valley, Bishop Alemany is a high school basketball powerhouse that won three California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) titles last year.
And with an 18-3 record this season, the Warriors are poised to repeat as sectional, regional and state champions.
One of the huge reasons for the defending champions' fine play is Sean Delapena, a slippery 5-foot-10 Fil-American with impeccable handles, speed and cat-quick reflexes.
Averaging 10 points and 6 assists a game in a league where the best-of-the-best among California's elite hoopers compete, Sean stands out with his poise and decision-making.
There are typically two kinds of point guards in basketball, one who is more inclined to score while another would rather be a facilitator. Sean is both,and a tenacious defender to boot.
Delapena gave Pinoy hoops fans a sneak peek of his deep arsenal last summer when he suited up for the Fil-Am Nation Select team that annexed the NBTC crown at the Mall of Asia.
"The extreme heat was definitely a factor," he shared about the experience of playing on his parents' home soil. "Luckily, I came prepared and had good conditioning, so I was able to adjust."
While in Manila, the high school sophomore had a few practices with the Gilas Pilipinas Youth and he caught the eye of then coach Josh Reyes.
"He's a solid player. Comes from a great family and raised really well.The best asset is playmaking and leadership. He can influence culture and mentality," Reyes said of Delapena via text message.
Sean also had a few practices with San Beda and despite being only 16 years old then, he held his ground and got rave reviews from coach Yuri Escueta and team manager Jude Roque.
While his dad Harvey is proud of his son's athletic prowess, a greater sense of pride emanates from the fact that Sean is wiser than a smartphone.
Delapena graduated valedictorian at Heritage Christian middle school, living a healthy, balanced teenage life of scrambling for plays on the basketball court while diving hard into his studies.
While he is sure to entertain collegiate offers in the US soon, Sean isn't closing the door on the possibility of playing college hoops in the UAAP or our NCAA.
"After getting a glimpse of what collegiate basketball is like in the Philippines through the NBTC and Fil-Am Nation, I'm definitely more open to it now," Delapene revealed.
Of course, he will consider playing in the States if the opportunity presents itself.
"Obviously, playing Division 1 basketball here in the States is a goal, especially since I am already playing at the highest level of high school competition in Los Angeles. Playing against teams like Sierra Canyon, Harvard-Westlake, Notre Dame and Crespi where the average height is 6-foot-5 is tough," he said.
For now, though, the focus is to continue to get good grades and get better at his craft.
"I put in the work day in and day out, waking up at 5 a.m. to get in the gym. At Alemany, our motto is 'one percent better daily and stack days.' As corny as it may sound, it's true. That's my mindset in the years to come."
Wherever he decides to go or chooses to do, Sean Delapen will excel because he set himself up early to be a winner in life.
2025-01-24T10:14:33Z