Sacred Heart School-Jesuit eyes the national finals when it competes in the MILO Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training (BEST) Regional finals at West Negros College in Bacolod City today.
SHS-J represents Cebu in both divisions - the Small Basketeers of the Philippines (SBP) and the passerelle - following its double victory in the Cebu elimination.
The team hopes to beat two others and represent the Visayas in the national finals. Last year, Cebu went home empty-handed after the University of San Carlos missed the finals after a controversial formula was used in breaking a three-way tie.
This year, SHS-J will rely on Cebu’s MVP Ray Daniel Abbu, Adrian Marvin Muller, Anton Araw-araw, Anton Chua, Dave Luy, Xavier Catan, Jarek Mercado, Jurome Saceda, Arc Araw-araw, Beau Fernando, Patrick Go, Alexander Lim, Izak Kiefer Lim, Aaron Sing and Dave Yu to capture the SBP title.
In the passerelle division, SHS-J has Justin Dela Cruz, Alexter Tecson, Gabe Branzuela, Jasper Diaz, Jerry Seno, Joseph Zozobrado, Raymund Mangubat, Rene Sta. Maria, Vann Alicias, Guilbert Purcia Jr., Grelan Tagaloguin, Aljun Villarias, Jay Dela Cruz, Justin Yu and Joseph Roma.
Defending champion Iloilo depends on Ateneo de Iloilo for the SBP tournament and Iloilo Commercial Central High School in passerelle.
Host Bacolod is pinning its hope on St. John Institute for both the SBP and passerelle divisions.