15/05/2026
SPORTS UPDATE: ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ
๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ผ ๐๐๐ฝ ๐ญ๐ด๐จ ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป
A narrow 62-61 victory over St. Johnโs Institute (SJI) of Bacolod City was all it took for the Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) Red Phoenixes to capture the Hino Cup Basketball Season 5 18U championship last May 14, 2026 at SJI Ayala Sports Pavilion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
The championship battle was a stalemate early on, leaving the teams deadlocked at 12-12 after the first quarter. HSCI gained momentum in the second, utilizing timely baskets and defensive stops to secure a 30-24 halftime lead. However, SJI surged back in a back-and-forth third quarter, narrowing the Red Phoenix advantage to just 45-41 heading into the final frame. The final period devolved into a tense defensive struggle where every possession carried immense weight; ultimately, the Red Phoenix maintained their composure in the closing moments to escape with a dramatic 62โ61 victory and secure the title.
Shan Benedict Yap earned a spot in the Mythical Five for his versatile contributions, averaging 2.80 points, 2.40 assists, 2.40 steals, and 7.40 rebounds to anchor HSCIโs championship run. Finals MVP Kent Fuentes complemented this effort with a dominant championship performance, tallying 21 points, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 9 rebounds while delivering under pressure on both ends of the floor.
โIt feels unreal and truly rewarding to be named MVP after winning the championship. All the hard work, sacrifices, and countless hours of training finally paid off. But I know I couldnโt have achieved this alone. My teammates, coaches, and supporters played a huge role in helping me succeed. I think what helped me earn this title was determination, discipline, teamwork, and staying focused no matter the pressure,โ Fuentes shared.
The victory marked more than just another trophy for the team. It symbolized the successful beginning of a new era under Head Coach Jophil Cercado, together with assistant coaches Val Raniel and Robert Hainga, who guided a roster composed of both returning players and several new additions throughout the tournament.
โEvery time we prepare for a game or attend practices, we face different kinds of challenges. As the new coach of the Hua Siong Boys basketball team, it is paramount to instill the winning culture for which this institution has long been known. Maintaining that standard of winning basketball is always a challenge, but it is one that we are committed to embracing,โ said Cercado.
The championship roster included CB Bastian, Adam Justin Belonio, Renz Boluso, Cesar Clavesilla III, Derrick James Delfin, Schofiel Diomon, Matthew Dordas, Kent Fuentes, Reil Gutierrez, Niel Ramses Habaรฑa, Marc Justien Mongcal, Hanz Panaligan, Gerrylle Seloterio, Shaun Venus, and Shan Benedict Yap.
The thrilling finale proved that amid all the transitions surrounding the basketball program this year, one thing ultimately remained the same: their winning spirit. | via Rhesya Angelique dela Rosa and Rejean Grace Cuebillas
Photo courtesy of Mr. Jophil Cercado
