CNHS claims first SBP 3x3 champ title
A HISTORIC win for Cabantian National High School (CNHS) was made on May 20 after clinching the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 national finals title at the Robinson’s Mall in Malate, Manila.
The Marvin Ace Sencio coached CNHS is the first contingent from Davao Region to claim the title at the expense of the National Capital Region (NCR) South 21-11.
“It should inspire more Davaoenos na it can be done. That dreams do come true. I was told last night nung mga taga SBP that schools in Manila were offering scholarships already para maglaro sa kanila,” SBP executive program officer Ronel Leuterio said on CNHS’ feat.
He also quoted SBP regional director and board of trustee Glenn Escandor, “SBP Davao Region’s program has become successful because we are already having champion teams especially in the underprivileged sector,”
Marcilla Grace Dellosa, Ainos Queen Bacena, Fave Roxyl Lugasan, and Christie Bariquit propelled the Davao Region towards the finals.
Their win against NCR South in the finals came on the heels of posting a pulsating 21-20 victory over heavy-favorite NCR North in the semifinals.
CNHS also eked out a 13-9 beat down over the Ilocos Region in the quarterfinals after keeping its slate unbeaten in the eliminations.
“We’re so happy about it sir. We did not expect na makuha yung title knowing that daming maraming magagaling na teams from all over the country. Happy lang kami na nakapagbigay kami ng karangalan sa Davao Region,” Coach Sencio, in a separate interview, said.
Sencio shared that they only had one week of preparation because of the barangay election which affected the availability of basketball venues.
“But kampante ako sa mga players ko sir kasi most of them were Palarong Pambansa players that is why alam nila ang isa’t isa,” he added.
Their road towards the title wasn’t easy and according to Sencio there have been a lot of close matches since day one of the national tournament.
“First game pa lang namin Central Luzon na kaagad. Pero I was much worried during sa quarter finals kasi sunod-sunod ang laro at baka bumigay katawan ng mga bata,” Sencio added.
Last year’s first runnerup Davao Jones Academy of Davao Region bowed out earlier in the elimination.