THE Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) Reds basketball team dedicated its Mindanao Regional Passerelle title to its late team owner Joni Leuterio who passed away last October 20, Thursday, due to cardiac arrest.
HCCD Reds, who are grieving Leuterio's demise, beat Southern City College of Zamboanga, 80-37, in the finals after beating Corpus Cristi Cagayan de Oro City in the semifinals.
HCCD head coach Nestor "Tating" Sorrosa, in an phone interview with SunStar Davao, said his players were able to deliver on both ends, adding that the memories of their team manager Leuterio motivated them to secure the title.
"Sir Joni never failed to support sports of the school especially basketball," Sorrosa said in vernacular.
Sorrosa said his players were able to get his approval, saying, "Lipay kaayo ko nga na execute nila amo ang game plan (I'm very happy that my players were able to execute our game plan)."
He added that even the bench players stepped up during the championship match.
HCCD is set to compete in the SBP-Passarelle National Finals slated in December in Bacolod City. Also advancing to the nationals are Adamson University of Manila and University of Visayas.
"We just need to improve our defense as well as our outside shooting since our opponents will have height and size advantage," the multi-titled coach said.
HCCD was bannered by Vince Petdeo Cuajao, Emiliano Escalera, Froilan Palcis, Brent Andrei Castro, Arvin Gillo, Tanduyan Jan Michael, Yassen Dataya, Ryan Villasenda, Anscar Mamac, Kyle Jamora, Roy Antalan, Nathaniel Ligesan, and Francis Corpuz.
Sorrosa was assisted by Roger Rabago. (ABM)