By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Iloilo Giants, represented by Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix, emerged as champions in the 2024 WVRAA Meet secondary boys basketball tournament at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Gym in Bacolod City on Monday, May 6.

Jid Locsin continued his stellar showing for the Giants, tallying a triple-double of 36 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists to go with six steals as they defeated Negros Occidental, 104-87.

Head coach Vincent Conlu said he was delighted that they dominated the qualifying tournament, earning them the right to represent the region in Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.

“I am very proud of my boys, and I want to thank God for giving me these blessings, sa mga parents na all out support, and to the Hua Siong community because they understand the needs of my players,” Conlu said.

Aside from Locsin, also part of the Giants secondary boys squad are Rymanuel Montinola, Henry Angelo Penafiel, Honorio Murillo, Amiel Dominic Dema-ala, and Rean Matillano.

Completing the roster of Conlu are Wesley Lana, Glenn Pol Sucro, John Irvin Sitchon, Dave Matthew Recodo, Jann Francis Barcellano, and Chris John Cabrales.

“Most of the players are experienced naman eh, half of my team played in Palarong Pambansa last year, so may mga experience na sila sa mga ganitong games,” Conlu said.

In secondary girls basketball, Negros Occidental claimed the championship and Palarong Pambansa slot after beating Iloilo in the finals.

Aklan bagged the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Giants secondary girls 3×3 basketball team emerged as champions following a dominant 21-10 victory over Aklan in the gold medal match at the same venue.

Composing the squad are Iloilo City National High School standouts Angelie del Pilar, Paula Bianca Bronzal, Lean Tono, and Felipa Servano.

Serving as coaches are Mycah Beltran and Sharina Padilla./ASC, WDJ