HUA Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix has successfully retained its crown in the Bingawan Foundation Cup-Preseason High School Basketball Premier Tournament-Season 3 on Saturday night at Bingawan Gym in Bingawan, Iloilo.
Led by Reneil Gamboa, the Red Phoenix repeated as champions in the month-long tournament following a 75-68 win over the St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets.
Gamboa was later hailed as the Finals MVP after finishing with double-double 27 points and 16 rebounds. Also making their presence felt were Dave Bagatnan, Jaspher Antijedra, Jan Villariza and Julian Puerto.
The Red Phoenix was dominant since the start as they led by as much as 15 points. The Panda Rockets leaned on tournament MVP Gwyn Pendon but Hua Siong managed to come up with clutch hits to seal the win.
Meanwhile, CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights salvaged a bronze medal finish after a 119-106 victory over Sta. Clarita International School Primes in the battle-for-third place game.
Lester Valn Paraico waxed hot again from the outside as the finished with 47 points for the Silver Knights.
“The tournament aims to give exposure to the high school players through competitive basketball,” said Bingawan Mayor Mark Plagata Palabrica. “We will be making this a yearly event.”/PN
