Digos City claims Davraa 2024 basketball title after 8-year pursuit
AFTER an eight-year pursuit, the Digos City Trekkers dethroned perennial rivals Davao City Durians, 72-69, finally securing the secondary boys basketball championship in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2024 on Saturday morning, April 6, at the Holy Cross of Davao College gym.
Last year, Digos City was runner-up to Davao City.
In an intense rematch of previous regional meets, the win marked a first-time gold finish for the Cor Jesu College Red Cubs since 2014. The game’s outcome hinged on a crucial play by Digos’ John Wayne Portrias, sinking a two-pointer with just 42.5 seconds left in the final quarter.
Despite Davao’s Edric Niño Villasor attempting a three-pointer in the last 11.8 seconds, the upset relegated the defending champions to a silver medal this year.
In an interview with SunStar Davao, Digos Trekkers coach Rey Romulo Senarillos expressed excitement about their win and the challenging rivalry with Davao.
“Kay ang Davao contender gyud siya permanente kusog jud siya na team. Pasalamat lang gyud ko nga nakuha gyud namo karon ang championship (Davao has always been a tough contender. I am grateful that we have claimed the championship),” Senarillo said after the awarding ceremony.
Rating his team’s overall performance as an eight out of 10, he acknowledged the need for further improvement as they prepare for national-level competition.
Following Department of Education (DepEd) Davao regional director Allan Farnazo’s ceremonial toss, the Trekkers secured an early lead with the first few shots, leading 18-17 after the first quarter. The game intensified in the second quarter as the Durians tied the score at 38 points each.
Amid a tense finish, supporters from Digos City celebrated the team’s historic victory.
CJ Xyriex Visaya, who topscored with 15 points, was unable to contain his happiness after securing the championship victory. Visaya, a Grade 11 senior high school student currently taking up criminology, has been a threetime Davraa qualifier since Grade 6. (Read full story on sunstar.com. ph/davao) /