25 emerge from last 2018 Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp

The 25 that made it

Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati hosted the final Regional Selection Camp for the 2018 edition of the Jr. NBA Philippines program, with 25 making the cut out of the just over eight hundred that joined this past weekend.

After the first day of activities, the field was whittled down to fifty boys and thirty-two girls, which went through advanced drills and team scrimmages. Sixteen girls and nine boys were selected by a Jr. NBA evaluation committee led by Jr. NBA coach Carlos Barroca and Jeffrey Cariaso, due to a combination of outstanding performances while also exemplifying the core Jr. NBA values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude, and Respect.

Comprising the nine boys are Jeremy Gabriel Felix (Ateneo de Manila), Joshua Minguillo (Anorama Montessori-Binan), Lionel Matthew Rubico (La Salle-Lipa), Raphael Tolentino (International School of Better Beginnings), Kim Aaron Tamayo (Nazareth School-National University), Rhon Kaniel Telles (St. Anthony de Carmelli), Robert Janus Torres (Victorious Christian Montessori), and Draneb Aeron Singson and Rodelio Tomas (Escuela de Sophia Caloocan).

Comprising the sixteen girls are Yza Camila Shalea Alarcon (New Era High School), Franzelle Angela Chelzea Besa (Divine World College of Calapan), Franchesca Isabela Buenvenida (Mother of Divine Providence School), Merylle Angelica Cuasay (Adriatico Memorial School), Jay Anne Marie Lachica (Sta. Clara Parish School), Erika Nadine Tenorio (School of the Holy Spirit-Quezon City), Justine Valdes (Saint Pedro Poveda College), Ghemrie Hashley Garcia and Valerie Ruth Mapalad (Child Jesus of Nazareth School), Arianne Amber Esquivel and Kyla Marie Mataga (La Salle-Zobel), Juliana Yap and Marielle Vingno (Escuela de Sophia Caloocan), and Maria Juliana Abella, Isabela Louise Gonzales, and Aaliyah Mai Reyes (St. Paul College-Pasig).

These 25 will have a chance to compete at the National Training Camp this coming May 18-20, alongside with their counterparts from the Regional Selection Camps in Bacolod, Baguio, and Butuan. According to Barroca, "These kids showed true quality, intensity, and a real passion for basketball. I hope all our participants continue to show their love for the game, keep working hard and follow their dreams."

Outstanding participants from the National Training Camp will named as the Jr. NBA and the Jr. WNBA All-Stars and will be feted with an overseas NBA experience alongside their counterparts from the ASEAN region.

Updates on the Jr. NBA Philippines program presented by Alaska can be seen on www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines.