SMS earns trip to Bali for IBF Youth Leaders Cup 3X3 Finals

CEBU, Philippines — The Sisters of Mary School-Boystown and Girlstown are not only known for being the 3X3 capital of the south. They’re also producing 3X3 champions. They proved this after snaring the top two places of the International Basketball Foundation Youth Leaders Cup U18 3X3 basketball tournament held at SMS-Girlstown Sunday.

SMS 1 outscored SMS 9, 22-15, in the finals to earn the right to represent the country at the IBF Youth Leaders Cup 3X3 Finals in Bali, Indonesia this September.

C-Jay Gonzales scorched the net with 17 points, including the game-winning basket that ended the game before time was consumed. He made a total of eight two-point baskets in the game, firing from different spots on the floor to ignite the hometown crowd that cheered for the two sister teams. Ryan Dizo added four. Ivan James Cabodbod led SMS 9 with 14 points.

SMS 1 was undefeated throughout the day, going 3-0 in group play. They ousted Compre B, 16-10, in the quarterfinals before thumping Compre A, 21-10, in the semifinals.

On the other hand, SMS 9 also topped its group at 3-0, then defeated SMS 2, 22-14, in the quarterfinals. They then stunned crowd favorite Ateneo de Davao, 21-20, in a nail-biting semifinal game where John Rey Ichon scored the winning point on a jumpshot with the score tied at 20-all.

The Blue Knights from Davao had earlier scored the biggest win of the day, 16-12, over pre-tourney favorite Southwestern University-Phinma.

The IBF Youth Leaders Cup 3X3 tournament uses a unique format with each team composed of two boys and two girls. A ground rule is also applied where both girls of the team must be on the floor for at least three minutes of the 10-minute game.

Cebu was represented by a mix of school-based and club teams such as SHS-Ateneo, SWU-Phinma, Compre, Punta, Labangon, Team Adarna and the SMS teams. Visiting teams included Ateneo de Davao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Guimaras.

The IBF Youth Leaders Cup officials for the Philippines are Amanda Alejandrino and Aaron Rey Cañete of Cebu. (FREEMAN)