DEFENDING champion Assumption College of Davao (ACD) Warriors held off arch-rival Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Blue Knights, 57-51, in the finals of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (Dacs) 2018 Sportsfest secondary basketball tournament held at the Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary (SPBTS) gym in Puan.
New ACD head coach Tristan "Takbal" Balino said the back-to-back feats vindicated them from those who questioned their capabilities. Their win was dedicated to former head coach Rollie Sancho.
ACD barged into the finals unbeaten and arranged a titular showdown against the Blue Knights.
Balino also said that they have been preparing since summer. "Same play, same runs then naka adjust ang mga bata," he said. Arwind Villarente, Raph Nayve, Randolph Villarente and Chito Ramos assisted him.
After ACD's former key players BJ Sumugat, AJ Royo, Leonard Salvame, Marvin Vistal and Arnold Heje moved to college early this year, rookies Kurt Magbanua, Kevin Caharian, Austene Carl Talisayan, Prince Urbiztondo and Jericho Bidad filled the gap.
ACD, who will advance to the Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) 2018 Meet, was also bannered by John Rey Pasaol, Francis Jan Dagpin, Dariel Bariquit, Khim Salvame, Juferson Cloribel, Forch Barrientos, Christian Vives, Kian Bernal, Louie Rosello and Lowestein Cabilogan.
ACD's 3x3 team, composed of John Eimrod Rodulfa, Caryl Dagpin, Clayton Avelino and Vince Ontal, also copped the gold after beating Addu and Stella Maris Academy, respectively.