5^th MVP Cup - International High School Basketball Championships in Malaysia

By Emar Sy
Ontario-Canada
December 3, 2017



12 teams from 6 countries will participate at the IHSBC in Malaysia from Dec 3-9. Teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Canada, Australia and host country Malaysia will slug it out to determine the champion for this year’s edition.

Tournament organizer and host Malaysia is very much excited because of the addition of Team Crossover from Canada. “The entry of Canada will further add excitement to the tournament and will give defending champs Darwin High School of Australia a run for their money as they try to defend the crown they won last year” mentioned by IHSBC boss Tan Wan Chee.  

Team Crossover Canada delegation is headed by Crossover Sports Canada top honcho Mike Cruz and Coach Rod Garcia. The team is a selection of the best U16 available that includes Josh Samonte, Jason Diaz, Jan Andrada, Juster Reyes, Gabe Adap, Denzel Faraon, Gabriel Taneza, Robin Tavas, Hervi Diaz and Tyler Garcia from the Filipino Basketball League of Canada.

This is another great opportunity for Fil Canadian players to be able to showcase their talents and meet new friends from the international basketball community. Team Crossover Canada also participates yearly and represent Canada at the SM NBTC 18U National High School Championship and Dreamers League International in the Philippines. The program has produced student athletes that now plays for colleges and universities in the Philippines like Ben Kwawukumey who plays for UST, James Canlas and Alvin Florido for San Beda College, Evyn Santiago for UP and Robert Ocampo for CSB La Salle.

Initial pooling draws the Canadian together with Philippines PYD Red, Malaysia’s Secret KL and Kemuning Basketball Club on Group B. The Canadians are scheduled to play right after the opening games against Kemuning Basketball Club at the South Kedah Recreation Club. Winner from each pool will move on to a Championship Playoff step ladder to determine the champion.

The participation was possible through the efforts of Coach Mike and Crossover Sports Canada. Ms. Agnes Pasaporte Miranda of World Financial Group (WFG) also gave her support by providing the uniform for the team as part of their company’s 20^th year celebration. FBL Commissioner Wallie Landicho and its directors Dome Florido, Roger Tarca, Abe Oligane and Leslie Ruiz were also instrumental in making this endeavour a reality.