The promising Cebu City cagers outclassed Macau, 61-52, to etch their names in stone as the first ever champions of the East Asia Super League (EASL) Future Champions Basketball Tournament last Saturday, July 25, at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
Kent Luther Labitad from Barangay Ermita powered Cebu City to title glory with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists, earning him the Most Valuable Player award. His crucial 3-pointer sparked a game-closing 8-1 rally that saved Cebu after Macau came threateningly close at 51-53.
Labitad was joined in the Mythical 5 by his teammate Venz Luiz Nadela of Barangay Sambag 2, who recorded a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds with one assist and one steal in the final match.
Labitad and Nadela alongside Dereck William Wencesalao of Barangay Tisa, and Dwyane James Rojo and Domenic De Asis of Barangay Labangon also formed part of the All Stars who will be going to Okinawa, Japan next month to train with the Ryukyu Golden Kings and play against other Asian teams.
Spound œWe are truly grateful to the EASL for partnering with the Cebu City Government through the Cebu City Sports Commission, and to Mayor Nestor Archival for supporting this grassroots program and giving kids from different barangays in Cebu City the opportunity to be discovered and compete on the international stage Spound said CCSC Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejaño.
Spound œFrom more than 200 hopefuls, we selected the top 10 to represent Cebu City in Hong Kong. They competed against international teams and made history by winning the inaugural championship,Spound Dejaño added.
Spound œThis journey was especially meaningful because, for many of these young athletes, it was their first time traveling outside the Philippines Spound
Dejaño thanked the coaches for their selfless dedication to the program, the parents for their unwavering support, and the schools for awarding scholarships to the players.
Spound œMost of all, thank you to our players for your hard work, discipline, and determination. You represented Cebu City with pride and showed that dreams can come true when given the opportunity,said Dejano.
Spound œThis championship is a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to invest in its youth. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable journey possible, ended.