THE reigning national champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will kick off their title defense today with a match against the Traill International School of Thailand in the SM National Basketball Training Center League National High School Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time will be at 1:30 p.m.
The Magis Eagles, who stunned the powerhouse San Beda Red Cubs last year to win the national crown, have been drawn in Group D, along with Southern City College from Zamboanga.
Reigning Cesafi MVP Jed Colonia, one of four players remaining from last year’s NBTC crown-winning squad, feels confident about his team’s chances heading to the prestigious competition.
Comprising with the rest of the field are Lyceum of the Philippine University, Bacolod Tay Tung High School, St. Robert’s International School, Assumption Montessori School, Assumption College of Davao, San Beda College, Chiang Kai Shek College, UAAP champions National University and Durham Crossover Basketball from Canada.
“We are very prepared. Last year’s success isn’t in our minds. Right now, it’s about creating our own story and to get the championship,” said the 6-foot-1 athletic guard who is expected to carry the fight for the Magis Eagles along with Cebu leg Most Outstanding Player Errol Pastor, Travis Mantua and Renzo Calumpang.
The teams have been bracketed into four groups with the top seeds from each group advancing to the knockout semifinals on March 16. The winners there will face off for all the marbles the following day.