NBTC HS nat'l finals, all star game set in March

MANILA, Philippines -- Some of the country's best high school cagers coming from 24 secondary champion schools will try to outshine each other in the Seaoil National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) High School National Finals & All-Star Game from March 6 to 9 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

"Everything is set," said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano during Monday's press launch at the Shakey's in Malate, Manila.

"The best 24 high school teams in the country will test each other's true mettle. This is what everybody is waiting for," he added.

Among the top players expected to get most of the attention are Hubert Cani, a former Energen Pilipinas standout, and John Paul Cauilan of National U and Mohammad Salim of Chiang Kai Shek College.

San Beda's Arvin Tolentino, one of the country top high school players, is also suiting up in the All-Star Game to lend the event some prestige.

“The MMBL serve as the qualifying tour for the NBTC finals. With regards the all-star game, over 60 players from Luzon and NCR tried out for the 24 slots available. This season batch was the best in three years,” said Ato Badolato, the multiple-titled coach who headed the selection committee of the NBTC.

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas lauded NBTC organizers for helping the country's grassroots development program for six straight years now.

"We always encourage this kind of program and we're glad NBTC is helping the SBP," said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios.