ZAMBOANGA Valientes MLV will carry the dark horse tag as the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 Pilipinas holds its Leg 5 and Finals starting on Friday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
After making the semifinals in the first leg and advancing to the playoffs of the following legs, the Valientes are aiming high: bringing home the grand title to Zamboanga City.
Junnie Navarro—son of philanthropist and businesswoman Cory Navarro who co-owns the team with Mike Venezuela—said Valientes Rudy Lingganay, Gino Juamaoas, Med Salim, Arar de Leon and Jonjon Rebollos are on a mission under Coach Joseph Romarate.
“Zamboangueños are excited to watch the future of 3×3 and we are hoping to take home the title,” said the young Navarro, a former member of the national youth team. “They are the dark horse of this tournament, and I believe, just like the rest of the Zamboangueños, they will do whatever it takes to win.”
“We are so thankful that Zamboanga Valientes have the most number of fans online,” he added.
Lingganay, a former Philippine Basketball Association player, was impressive in Valientes’ 21-11 victory over Petra Cement Rockies-Roxas ZN last Tuesday in Leg 4’s group stage.
Navarro also praised de Leon for showing the bravery and the heart of a full-blooded Zamboangueño despite playing with an injured shoulder in the fourth leg.
The Zamboanga Valientes MLV was establiched 14 years ago to give homegrown players of the Zamboanga Peninsula the opportunity to show their talents. The Valientes played in various commercial leagues in 2006.
Family Brand Sardines- Zamboanga City Chooks captured Leg 4 on Tuesday night after beating Butuan City, 21-20 (7:27) at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Santi Santillan keyed Zamboanga City’s win following an offensive rebound and an ensuing free throw ar crunch time. Joshua Munzon caught fire early and his longball sent his side ahead, 20-16, inside the last three and a half minutes to help pave the way for the team’s third championship in four legs.
The victory was worth another P100,000 for the champions, but Uling Roasters still receive P100,000 on Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascarinas’s pledge to whoever Family’s Brand Sardines meets in the Finals.