MANILA – Talisay Sharks 3×3 team clinched the crown in the 14-and-Under category of the Zark’s Burgers 3×3 Basketball Competition Manila leg held recently at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Wellness Center in Quezon City.
Paul Barcelona was hailed as the 14-and-Under category Most Valuable Player after leading the Sharks to an unbeaten record in the three-day competition.
Aside from the St. John’s Instutute-Bacolod standout, also part of the Sharks 3×3 team were Jerry Binguan, Tobby Orbista and Alfred Ysulan Jr.
Serving as head coach for the Talisay Sharks 3×3 team is Ryan Hugnatan with Marknhel Pronda, Mac Mac Luigi and Born Ayane as his assistant coaches.
“We are glad with the outcome of our games. Our main goal in joining here is to gauge the level of competition in Manila. So winning the championship is a bonus,” Hugnatan said.
Talisay Sharks finished the Bracket C matches with a perfect 3-0 win-loss record following victories against NBT, D’Better Boyz and Blue Rocks.
In the quarterfinals, Talisay Sharks ousted Tribu Babaylan before defeating a Leyte-based squad in the semifinals and Ballers in the championship round, both via game-winners by Barcelona.
Pete Barcelona, father of Paul, said he was proud of the showing of his son, who drew interests from some Manila-based schools following his MVP feat.
“I am proud of Paul because I saw how hard he works each day to improve his game,” Pete said. “In fact, this early there were already some schools approaching us to recruit him.”
“However, we think that it is still too young for Paul to be playing in Manila, to be away from us. So we intend to commit to them in maybe one of two years’ time,” he added./PN
