ALL eyes were on the hardworking team captains of La Salle Greenhills and Adamson University, who dominated the court and helped their teammates win the coveted national championship titles at the recent 30th season of SBP-Passerelle Twin Tournament.
La Salle Greenhills team captains Victorino Bulado Torres and Mark Anjelo Torrijos joined forces and led their team rule the SBP division, which pitted 9-11 year old players against champions from Luzon (Berkeley School Baguio), Visayas (Ateneo de Iloilo) and Mindanao (Ateneo de Davao). Outside the court, they also worked together to provide their team stability by acting as leaders.
Despite their young age, Torres and Torrijos understand leadership like few kids do.
“I enjoy being a team captain. Everyone in the team is my friend. It’s not easy being the leader, but I think if you listen to your teammates, they will listen to you as well,” said Torres.
“I think your teammates listen to you when they see your hardwork and determination. Aside from being a role model by arriving on time during practices and playing hard inside the court, I also motivate others to give their best shot,” Torrijos added.
Torres and Torrijos aim to play in the Passerelle division of the twin tournament in the near future. They also aspire to join the big basketball leagues, like the Philippine Basketball Association and Gilas Pilipinas someday.
“We want to represent the country in international basketball competitions and bring honor to Filipinos,” declared the young team captains.
GlobalPort Batang Pier owner Mikee Romero, with son Mikhail
On the other hand, Adamson University team captain Forthsky Padrigao led his team to victory in the Passerelle division, where they competed against players aged 12-15 year old regional champions from Luzon (Holy Angel University), Visayas (Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo) and Mindanao (Ateneo de Davao).
Asked if being a basketball team captain has affected his grades, Padrigao said no. In fact, it motivated him to study harder.
“Basketball helps me become more competitive and study hard because I want to inspire my teammates. I think that when you perform well `in school, your teammates look up to you.”
Sponsored by Milo and Chris Sports and organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center, the SBP-Passerelle Twin Tournament is the country’s most prestigious interschool basketball competition for kids. A renowned breeding ground for champions, the tournament has produced countless basketball stars over the years, including Chris Tiu, Keifer Ravena, and Mark and Mike Nieto.
For more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 411-6260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email [email protected] or follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-Center-Sports-Inc/66172039922.
