Phenom, Gilas women’s rule 2019 Red Bull Reign PH
MANILA, Philippines–Phenom and Gilas women’s teams ruled the 2019 Red Bull Reign 3×3 Philippine leg last weekend to book a ticket to the Global Finals in Toronto, Canada in August.
Fourteen male teams and eight female teams competed this year for the honor of representing the Philippines in Toronto against 15 other countries.
Backed by national team talents Jack Daniel Animam, Claire Castro, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino, the Gilas women’s team zoomed its way to the final round where it dominated Zamboanga Valientes, 21-6, to win the title.
“We train every day,” said power forward Animam. “We’ve known each other for so long that our teamwork is top notch. And now, it’s a privilege to represent the Philippines in the World Finals in Toronto.”
Meanwhile, Phenom was crowned Red Bull reign champions after overcoming Basilan, 22-19, in the men’s final.
Former NCAA and PBA D-League players Shaq Alanes, Junjie Hallare, and Micole Sorela rose fro, the Last Chance qualifier all the way to the final where it survived a tough stand from Basilan.
“I’m kinda speechless”, says Sorela. “We didn’t expect to win this, especially against our friends from Team Basilan. So we feel great! We wouldn’t have made it here without the help of our coaches or my awesome teammates.”
