By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Tay Tung High School, representing Team Bacolod, clinched the crown in the 15 and Under category of the MDC Sports 3×3 National Finals over the weekend at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City.

Led by 15 and Under MVP Kyle Mathew Barrieta, the Thunderbolts squad bagged the division championship following a 9-2 victory over Team Negros Occidental in the finals round.

Aside from Barrieta, also part of the Yong Despi-mentored 3×3 boys’ basketball squad were Rey Frederick Limsiaco Uy, Dave Mathew Villamor Recodo and Jhalil Francisco Sultan.

“I am glad that the players showed their hunger and determination to go all the way to reach our goals,” Thunderbolts head coach Yong Despi said.

“This was huge for the team since we just had limited preparation for this tournament,” he added.

The Thunderbolts earned the right to represent Bacolod City in the National Finals after ruling the Bacolod City qualifying leg of the MDC Sports 3×3 Basketball tournament earlier this year.

Meanwhile, a representative from Bacolod City also clinched the crown in the 21 and Under category. The squad was led by Kyan Arik Andrada, Kurt Nestor Coloso, Lance Kristoffer Benitez, and Austine Jhon Arnol Laureno.

The Iloilo-based team Tigbauan Ninjas X EuroGrill of JP Cababa Caballero, John Michael Vicencio and Philip John Ojaldon Brazileño settled for a bronze medal finish in the category.

Team Roxas City, Capiz, composed of JB Hervias, Amiel Bolaño, Christian Borda, and Mark Alinsog captured the championship in the 18 and Under 3×3 men’s basketball championship.

On the other hand, the 13 and Under 3×3 basketball category championship was also won by Team Roxas City, Capiz of Jeross Sibugan, Kevin Vincent Roblete, Gesther Kiel Garcia, and Mark Sherwin Orendez, Jr.

Team Bacolod City, represented by basketball cagers from St. John’s Institute’s Will Anthony Sy, Gabe Tan, Nathaniel Fajardo, and Manuel Golez captured the bronze medal in the category./ASC, WDJ