SANTA Clarita International School Primes ruled the National Basketball Training Center Region 6A finals after a 110-99 win over Hercor College Junior Jaguars on Monday at the Dayao Gym in Roxas City.
Ralph Bajon was hailed as the Most Valuable Player of the regional finals for leading the way for the Primes, which earned the right to represent Region 6A in the National Finals slated this March at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Primes got their shots early in the match behind Bajon and Franc Steven Tono for a 31-18 advantage. The lead swelled further to its largest at 56-35 at the half with its torrid outside shooting.
The Junior Jaguars, however, forced the Primes to several turnovers in the third period to come to within two points but Santa Clarita came up with timely hits from Bajon in the fourth quarter to widen the lead to double digits.
“We are happy to be given the opportunity to play in the National Finals in Manila. The players were very excited because it was their first time to play in such a big stage,” said Primes head coach Rodel Camacho.
“We will prepare hard for that to make sure that we will give our A game even if we will encounter tough teams there,” he added. “I want them to play well there because it is an opportunity for them to be seen by the scouts.”
Also part of the Primes team were Jemar Cepriano, Kim Rey Servano, Gian Paul Nahine, Myer Refugio, Wilmer Dalumpines, Kenth Lindero, Louwelle Cabasag, Nayr Sacorin, Earl Tan, Chino Palis, Paul Gabriel Fallarco, Jhames Yap, and Mon Pedrajas.
The Primes reached the Regional Finals after sweeping their Iloilo City leg match, including their victory over the St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets in the finals./PN
