THE Davao Jones Academy (DJA) fell short of the title but settled for the runner-up honors in the boys division while Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (Dranhs) placed third in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 National Finals Under-15 that came to a close Sunday at the Robinson's Place Malate in Manila.
The Askiah "AJ" Echavia Nico Cabalhin, Jaimes Batoon and Clarck Xavier Abracia-bannered DJA of Davao region bowed to powerhouse Calabarzon Region, 15-16, in the finals.
DJA, however, earlier survived Region 3, 18-17, in the semifinals via overtime after posting a come-from-behind 17-16 win over Region 8 in the quarterfinals.
Echavia, in a Facebook conversation with VoxPop Davao Monday, said it was very fulfilling to reach the finals.
"Gi-enjoy lang namo ang bawat dula kay mao man ang ingun ni coach ug dili ma-pressure (We just enjoyed the games and not to be pressured as what our coach told us)," the 15-year-old hefty forward said.
Coach Jimmy Colicot said the national finals helped his players to become better.
"They played what we've been practicing the reason we reached the finals," he said.
He, however, said the achievement boosted the team’s morale.
"Sobrang satisfied sir kasi first time nag represent yung DJA sa National Finals tapos naging placer kami. Mas tumaas yung confidence ng team namin," he added.
DJA also eked out victories over Ilocos, Calabarzon and Western Visayas regions in the eliminations.
Meanwhile, the Ronnie Berato-coached Dranhs, who placed sixth in the 2015 national finals, demolished Region 10, 16-6, in their battle for third behind the heroics of Aleah Kaye Clapano, the only veteran among the group, and neophyte players Mecca Gumapac, Mary Grace Sarmiento and Rea Ong.
Dranhs outplayed Region 10 for third. The latter was the only team who beat Region 7 in the eliminations.
Berato thanked SBP Davao Chapter executive program officer Ronel Leuterio, Dranhs curriculum grade 10 head Elenito Escalante, Mapeh head Ma. Victoria Ferolino and Presidential Management Staff assistant secretary Joseph Encabo for their support.