RP kids get No. 2 spot in Swoosh Basketball in US

MANILA, Philippines - A team of Filipino graduates of the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training (BEST) placed runner-up in the Swoosh Basketball Championship's Elite category held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Elite category is composed of high school teams of taller and more experienced players, according to a BEST statement issued on Tuesday. The Philippine-Best squad could have won the championship but an accidental foul down the stretch gave their American opponents the opportunity to extend the game by forcing a 67-all deadlock at the end of the regulation period. The Filipino kids did not give up but failed to the more experienced Las Vegas Elite squad, 76-73, to claim the crown presented by the Youth Basketball of America, a leading member of USA Basketball. "It was a tough game and our boys really did well, considering they are facing an experienced American squad. They used what they learned in our clinics and it proved Filipino kids are not lagging in basketball talent, especially if given scientific training at an early age," said BEST owner Nic Jorge. Jorge added that at the end of the month more than 3,000 kids aged five and up earn will graduate under the Best program. Comprising the RP-BEST team are: Candido Verzosa, CJ Sumulong, Calvin Buan, Dave Moralde, Lorenz Sia, Onelle Balinton, Mark Monterubio, Angelo Malapitan, Nap Miranda III, Redmond Zapanta, Yvan Barranco, Karl Buenviaje, Renchi Cabizzo, Gerome Monteiro, Louie Vives, Marvin Galang, Nicolo Mercado, Josiah Chua, Ralph Omampo, Nicolo Estrada, Jorel Garcia, Daniel Lumahan, Angelo Fabian, Ignacio Lobregat, Isiah Chua, Kiefer Lim, and Joshua McDaniel General. Some of the BEST graduates who are now superstars are James Yap, Paolo Mendoza, LA Tenorio, Joseph Yeo, Magnum Membrere, Enrico Villanueva, Chester Tolomia, Jeck Chia, and TY Tang. BEST will open new classes on May 5 at the Ateneo de Manila University covered courts, Metropolis Star Alabang, Olivarez College Sports Center, Worldwide Corporate Center (formerly Starmall@The Annex), San Beda College, Brittany Neopolitan, Christ the King Seminary, Xavier School, and Jose Rizal University. For more information, visit the BEST Center Office, 34 Scout Lozano corner Scout Reyes, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. You may also call through 411-6260; 372-3065 or 66; or e-mail best@pacific.net.ph. - GMANews.TV