San Beda out to end string of bridesmaid finishes in NBTC

San Beda coach JB Sison and the Red Cubs. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson

After finishing as runner-up these past two years in the SM National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League, San Beda wants nothing more than to get over the hump this year.

But Red Cubs coach JB Sison refused to feel confident knowing the stiff competition that awaits in the National High School Championship.

“Every year is a different one. We have to study our opponents first but we know it’s going to be tough for us,” he said.

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And Sison has every reason to feel so, with Malayan, FEU, and Ateneo de Cebu all slotted in Division 1, as well as four other international squads.

However, it’s not as if San Beda is just any other high school.

Bridesmaids in the NCAA juniors basketball tourney, the Red Cubs got back at the Red Robins, their Finals tormentors, and avenged that defeat by snaring the Metro Manila Basketball League title.

Led by Evan Nelle, Sam Abu Hijle, and Germy Mahinay, the Red Lions still have a competent crew which may just finish the job this time out.

“The goal remains the same, to win it all,” said Sison. “We want to be competitive and get more games under our belt. We know we’re second placers for two years running, so I tell my boys to do better and we’ll prepare hard for whoever we may face.”