20 schools to join 1st BTC Cup 3-on-3 basketball tourney

CEBU, Philippines – At least 20 private elementary and secondary schools have signified their interest to join the 1st BTC Cup-Thirsty Hoop Jams 2009, a 3-on-3 basketball series slated next month.

Twelve of these schools sent their coaches and sports coordinators to a briefing and consultation that the organizers conducted Friday at Dimsum Break in Banilad Town Centre (BTC).

"We are happy of the overwhelming interest we are getting after we sent our formal communication to the schools last Monday," remarked Cerwin T. Eviota, the tournament commissioner, during the SCOOP Forum also at Dimsum Break BTC Thursday morning.

The inter-school tournament supported by Nike Athletic Club and Dimsum Break will open on August 8 and will conclude for the championship games on August 30.

The games are classified in four categories: 10-under, 12-under, 14-under and 16-under with all players required not to go beyond the age ceiling per category by September 1, 2009, disclosed Edwin de Jacto, the technical director.

During the briefing, the commissioner explained the systems and procedures of the tournament, while the assistant technical director, Alejandro Monilar of Cebu Basketball Referees Association (CEBRA), explained the officiating rules.

Participating Schools

The schools that sent representatives during the briefing included: Benthel Asia School, Cebu Cherish School, Cebu Eastern College, Center for International Education, Don Bosco Technology Center; M. Zed Christian School, PAREF Springdale School, Sacred Heart School of the Society of Jesus, St. Alphonsus Catholic School, St. Louis School, University of San Carlos (USC) - North and USC - South.

Eight other schools informed the organizers they would be joining the tournament, disclosed Eviota. These are Bright Academy, Child Learning Foundation, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Little Angels Montessori School, Royal Oaks International School, St. Francis of Assisi School, University of the Philippines - Visayas Cebu College, and the University of Southern Philippines.

Three schools invited have yet to give their feedback, while 10 other schools invited declined to join being not ready yet to take part in an external tournament or due to conflict with their internal schedules.

More details about the 1st BTC Cup may be read online at http://btc2009cup.wordpress.com. Those interested or those with queries may send an email to [email protected]. – THE FREEMAN