CKSC opens defense of NBTC high school title

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Chiang Kai Shek College leads the quest for the right to be called No. 1 juniors team in the land when all 18 finalists kick off the 2015 Seaoil-NBTC National High School Championships Friday at three different venues.

The CKSC Blue Dragons debut against University of Cordilleras (Baguio) at 9:45 a.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig before taking on St. John’s Institute (Bacolod) at 2:15 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena.

Also highlighting the grueling opening day schedule is the clash between Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and Assumption College (Davao) at 12:30 p.m. after the 11:30 a.m. inaugural ceremony at Ynares Sports Arena.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios will deliver the opening remarks, while Ateneo Blue Eagle star Kiefer Ravena will give the inspirational message.

Following the parade of teams, National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Mindanao territorial head Arvin Martinez will lead the invocation and the Arellano University Drum and Lyre will play the National Anthem.

Ateneo’s Von Pessumal will lead the oath of sportsmanship in between the opening remarks and the inspirational message, and a plaque of appreciation will be given to Tao Corp. president Joel Lopa.

Joining Barrios in the ceremonial toss will be NBTC program director Eric Altamirano and tournament directors Edmundo Badolato and Manny Nitorreda.

Divided into six groups with teams from each pool playing one round robin, the top six of the tournament backed by the MVP Sports Foundation and which serves as the official grassroots development program of the SBP advance to the next round.