LEGANES, Iloilo – St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets-Elite Lab emerged as champions in the 2024 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Iloilo Qualifying Tournament here.
The John Guanco-mentored Panda Rockets pulled off a close 83-80 victory over the Iloilo Doctor’s College in a tightly-contested championship game held on Sunday afternoon at the Leganes Covered Gym.
Justin Cargo displayed an all-around game in the championship match to be named Most Valuable Player for the Panda Rockets, which will advance to the NBTC Visayas Qualifying Tournament in Bacolod City slated from February 15-18.
Also part of the Panda Rockets team are Luis Michael Sitchon, Michsan Rhaey Oñate, Jp Gaspillo, Prinz Jurisprudencia, Nicholas John Ditchon, Ej Secorata, and Paul Jovan Santome.
Completing the St. Robert’s team are Edrian Aguirre, Kyle Sardon, Glenn Lazaro, Andrie Padilla, Rex Demafilis, Karl Alfred Ferrer, and Rengie Ecarma.
The Panda Rockets reached the championship round after a 98-79 victory over Sta. Clarita International School Primes in the semis, while Iloilo Doctor’s College prevailed over University of San Agustin, 75-73.
According to Eugene Chua, who served as the team manager and head of basketball operations of St. Roberts, he was proud of the showing of his players in the qualifying tournament.
“I am proud of the way they played the entire tournament,” Chua told Panay News on Monday. “It was not easy competing here, especially sa finals since IDC ang nakalaban namin.”
“This is also a great learning experience for our young players and we hope to continue the momentum sa Visayas qualifiers to give us a chance to compete sa National Finals,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trinity Christian School emerged as champions in the Bacolod City Qualifying leg after defeating STI-West Negros University in the finals. John Loyd Guanzon Martinez was named MVP./PN
