Hope Christian trips SSC, bags Jr Champs title

CLINT Dolinguez and John Apacible starred as Hope Christian High School overpowered San Sebastian, 84-74, to rule the inaugural Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) recently at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Dolinguez, the league’s MVP, combined with Apacible and Jollo Go to help Hope thwart a late San Sebastian run that trimmed the deficit to just a point, 72-73, in the knockout finals.

“I’m happy the boys managed to pull this victory,” said Hope coach Stevenson Tiu. “We played aggressive. Still, the defense was there and we managed to sustain it to the end.”

Apacible pumped in 24 points to lead five Hope players in double figures.

San Beda beat Letran, 76-69, for third spot.

The Hope Christian squad, managed by Bernard Yang, copped the title and the P30,000 cash prize just a month after clinching the Father Martin juniors championship.

Dolinguez led the Mythical Five that also includes San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan and Ryan Costelo, Letran’s John Quinto and San Beda’s JV Mocon.

Also receiving citations were Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena, San Beda’s Arvin Tolentino, Santo Tomas U’s Prince Martin, Chiang Kai Shek College’s Kimlee Bayquin, Xavier’s Kyles Lao and National U’s Reginald Morido.

“More than showcasing the players’ ability, it is the goal of PSSBC to develop the high school players’ proper conduct,” said league chair Cecilio Pedro. Jasmine W. Payo