High school hoop kings strut wares

THREE champion high school teams showcase their wares in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League starting this Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

UAAP juniors champion Far Eastern University, NCAA winner San Beda and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. titlist Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu clash in exhibition matches for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation’s  “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig” project.

Meanwhile, tournament chair Reynaldo Gamboa said Phoenix Oil has signed a three-year deal to support the “Sweet 16” regional games in North-Central Luzon, South Luzon-Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao.

“We believe that the provincial collegiate teams need more incentive and exposure to hasten their development which the Champions League competitions provide,” said Dennis Uy, president of Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Inc.

Sweet 16 action resumes on Sunday with San Sebastian and Adamson tangling at 2 p.m. and University of Santo Tomas and Letran battling at 4 p.m.

Kicking off the doubleheader is the game pitting the Red Cubs and the Magis Eagles at 12 noon.

The Baby Tams take their turn against the Magis Eagles at 12 noon on Monday.

Five-time UAAP champion Ateneo and three-time NCAA king San Beda already earned outright semifinal berths, while Southwestern University recently secured the third slot after ruling the Southern Islands leg.