Two Philippine champions emerged victorious at the Red Bull Reign Finals on recently at Kerry Sports Manila in Bonifacio Global City—Men’s Champion Phenom and Women’s Champion Team Gilas Women’s.
Both teams advanced to the Red Bull Reign Global Finals in Toronto, Canada, this August as they will represent the Philippines against 15 other nations from around the globe.
Red Bull Reign is a high-endurance, offense-driven 3-on-3 street basketball tournament that brings the best ballers in the world together.
Each game is contested under strict rules inspired by FIBA’s (International Basketball Federation) 3-on-3 rules:
Teams consist of 3 players (+1 reserve) age 18 and above. Games take place back-to-back on opposite halves of the court, with the first team to score 21 points or the most points in 10 minutes winning the match.
In total, 14 male teams and eight female teams competed this year.
Women’s Red Bull Reign Tournament
Red Bull Reign 2019 introduced a standalone tournament exclusively dedicated to women. Teams from countries including Russia, United Kingdom, and the Canada held local tournaments to find representatives for the Global Finals.
This year’s installment saw several local teams all vying for a spot in the Finals. The opening games took place in the morning and progressed over the course of the day, until only two teams remained: Zamboanga Valientes and Team Gilas Women’s, with the later taking the victory with a final score of 21 – 06.
Team Gilas Women’s is comprised of Jack Daniel Animam, Claire Castro, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino. They are members of the Philippines’ national women’s basketball team, with years of experience under their belt.
“We train everyday”, said power forward Animam. “We’ve known each other for so long that our teamwork is top notch. And now, it’s a privilege to represent the Philippines in the World Finals in Toronto!”
Men’s Red Bull Reign Tournament
Teams Phenom and Basilan both won their respective games to meet in a thrilling finals showdown. With amazing shooting and tenacity, the Phenom edged its competition to a final score of 22-to-19. As three-time Red Bull Reign Philippine Champions, the Phenom this year consisted of former NCAA and PBA D-League players Shaq Alanes, Junjie Hallare, and Micole Sorela.
“I’m kind of speechless”, says Sorela. “We didn’t expect to win this, especially against our friends from Team Basilan. So we feel great! We wouldn’t have made it here without the help of our coaches or my awesome teammates.”
“Toronto, here we come!” said Phenom team captain, Bong Pineda, in a statement that echoed Animam’s sentiments. “We’re excited to advance to the World Finals. We’re coming, Toronto!”
For more information, please visit: win.gs/redbullreign2019
