RIYADH: Ace cager Dean Budtong was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) as his team Blue-Workshop clinched the championship trophy of the Qanbar Ready Mix 1st Inter-Color Basketball League at the Qanbar Ready Mix Staff Accommodation Basketball Court, Nadeem Area, here.
Blue squad led by the trio of Budtong, Rex Malongayon and Jun Legarta in collaboration with Nelson Matanguihan and Kimmy Bigno proved their dominance over unbeaten team White in a 71-51 victory that gave them the chance to bring home their trophy.
White – Batching Plant team on the other hand featured the combo of Randolph Espejon, Danny Bonotan, Willy Ardiza, Rundy Quiambao and Vande Zande Bajo who tried in vain to grab the foremost title.
Dark Blue, Concrete Pump team bagged the 2nd runner-up post after beating Red, Truck Mixer squad in a 5-point advantage, 70-65. Dennis Umbay top-scored with 32 points with Bern Burguillos, Hensel Heradura, Anton Bugarin and Gary Baquillas.
Individual and team awards were handed over to the winners immediately after the ballgame. Trophies were given to the champions.
Blue team: First runner-up; White team: Second runner-up; Dark Blue team: Third runner-up.
This season’s mythical five were Dean Budtong (Blue), Dennis Umbay (Dark Blue), Jun Legarta (Blue), Rex Malongayon (Blue) and Danny Bonotan (White). Danny Bonotan was named Rookie of the Year while Jun Legarta and Boyet Neri were awarded the best team coach and best team manager trophies respectively.
Other awardees were, Gray team: the best sporting team; Jeffrey Magtira: Sporting player and highest individual scorer; Rex Malongayon: Highest in three pointer player; Dean Budtong: Best player of the game; Rundy Quiambao: Best defensive player and Dickson Challan: Best in assists. The league enjoyed the generous support of Qanbar Ready Mix Management represented by Nosair M. Salah, Plant Manager, Mohamad Saleh, QC Engineer and Hassan Salahedin, Maintenance Engineer.
Other supporters of this league were Jun’s Catering, Tatak Pinoy, Merex Forwarders, Visayan Cargo, Laguna Lakers Cargo, Metro Star Express, Flash Cargo, Utex Cargo, Globex Express and Arab News.
Edwin Sarmiento chaired the executive committee of the league and was supported by Vande Zande Bajo, Vice Chairman, Rundy Quiambao, Tournament Coordinator, Hensel Herradura, Treasurer; Charlie Pineda, Secretary and Gerry Elopre PRO. Rachie De Lara headed the Technical Committee supported by Senon Bautista, Statistician and Romy Nocidal, play-by-play commentator while the FCBR (Filipino Confederation of Basketball Referees) Khalid Ed Tamayo & Ernie Dela Cruz officiated the entire tournament games.
