SBP U16 3x3 Regional Finals concluded: Bataan and Bulacan take all the marbles
Jay P. Mercado
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) recently held the U16 3x3 Pambansang Tatluhan Region 3 Finals at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Pampanga. This is part of the SBP Region 3’s objective to promote the sport to the youth while in continuous search for future basketball superstars.
The SBP Regional Director for Region 3, 1976 PBA Rookie of the Year Gil Cortez, managed the entire event to success. The eventual winner in the boys’ division, the Mariveles National High School Poblacion from Bataan will represent the region in the National Finals to be held in Manila. Placing second was Malolos City with Boss Angeles City and CCAHS Patriots of Gerona, Tarlac coming in third and fourth, respectively.
On the distaff side, the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Institute of Santa Maria, Bulacan surprised everyone by topping the girls’ division, upending Olongapo City. Malolos ended up third while Guimba, Nueva Ecija wound up 4th overall.
The various provinces, cities and municipalities of Region 3 held their qualifiers with the champions of their respective areas serving as representatives in the Regional Finals held in Pampanga.
The National Finals will be held on August 10 and 11, 2024 at the Block of SM City, North Edsa with Cortez hoping to see his players come out on top against top-tiered rivals like perennial favorites the National Capital Region and Region 8.
Cortez personally gave out the awards to the winning teams. Accompanying him was his special guest, Jayson Castro, a fellow Kapampangan who was recognized in 2013 and 2015 as Asia’s Best Point Guard. An 8x PBA champion, Castro showed his appreciation to the efforts of his former boss in the defunct Philippine Basketball League, acknowledging Cortez’s efforts “to continuously promote and develop the sport in the region.” Castro also congratulated the winners and hoped that they all become part of the Gilas national team in the future.
Also joining Cortez and Castro in the awarding ceremonies was Ms. Anton Gonzales, the SBP Marketing Head.
The SBPU16 3x3 Pambansang Tatluhan Region 3 tournament would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors – SMART, PLDT, TNT, Cignal TV, San Miguel Corporation, MVP Sports Foundation, Molten basketball, SM Supermalls, SM City North Edsa, The Laus Group of Companies, the Don Honorio Ventura State University, Balibago Waterworks and Balipure Water.
The U16 3x3 is one of several grassroots programs of the SBP.
