THE Davao Jones Academy (DJA) Spunky and Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (Dranhs) girls booked an all-expense paid trip to the national finals after emerging champions in their respective categories at the close of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Under 15 3x3 Basketball Tournament at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center Sunday.
The Jimmy Colicot-coached DJA Spunky clinched the boy’s title after beating early-favorite Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) Reds, 12-8, in the finals behind Askiah Jhon Echavia, Jaime Batoon, Clark Xavier Abracia and Nico Cabalhin who also bannered the third-placer team last year.
"Actually, last year pa kami nag-prepare nang 3-on-3. Last year silang tatlo din yung pinalaro namin sa born 2000 and maganda yung result kahit under age sila nag third kami," Colicot said in a Facebook chat with Sun.Star Davao.
This year's tournament imposed a 2002 cut-off, thus, giving them an advantage.
"Kaya nung time na sinabi nila sa amin na born 2002 this year mataas yung chance namin of winning kasi ka age lang nila yung kalaro nila. Yung experience talaga nang mga players ko ang naging advantage namin," he said, thanking DJA head coach Rael Diaz for the opportunity.
DJA earlier upset defending champion Assumption College of Davao (ACD) Warriors in the semifinals. The latter settled for third instead after defeating Dranhs boys, 16-13.
In the distaff side, 2015 3x3 champion Dranhs will have a chance to improve its sixth finish in the national finals after beating Lady of Mt. Carmel, 8-5, in the regional championship.
The Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights, meanwhile, shocked defending champion ACD girls, 10-4, to place third.