Nat’l youth basketball tourney ends in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- Culmination games of basketball tournaments by the Small Basketeers Philippines represented by selected schools in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao were played at the Easter College Gym on Nov. 21 and 22.

Four teams each from the high school and elementary levels represented schools such as Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Iloilo, Ateneo de Manila, De la Salle Greenhills and other universities.

Tournaments organizer and Baguio host Antonio del Monte said the elementary and high school basketball players with ages ranging from nine to 14 years arrived with their parents in the city, respective champions in their own districts.

Most of the players, according to sportsman and coordinator Del Mundo, passed through the BEST Center Sports Foundation. “BEST” stands for basketball efficiency scientific training.

The sports foundation that was opened 30 years ago in 1979 has become the benchmark for PBA players.

According to Del Mone, it has trained PBA players such as Benjie Paras, Jerry Codinera, Chris Tiu, LA Tenorio, JV Cosio and Didoy Versoza, among others. – March Fianza