The Intersections & Beyond: Phenom Team to represent the Philippines at Global Red Bull Reign Finals in Washington DC, USA

Sixteen (16) teams and finalists from the previous Qualifiers (Manila A, Manila B, Last Chance), went head-to-head at the Red Bull Reign Finals at Taft Food by the Court in Pasay City on Saturday, June 30, 2018 (Saturday). Phenom emerged as the tournament winners and earned the chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Reign World Finals.

About the Game

Red Bull Reign is a high-endurance, offense-driven 3x3 basketball tournament that gathers the world’s top ballers to battle it out for the chance to compete at the World Finals in Washington, DC, USA. The rules are simple: the team that scores the most overall points in each round will advance until only one team remains.

16 Teams

The final sixteen (16) teams consisted of:

· LGU

· PACITA

· SOULDIER

· Kervy

· LA

· Team Kate

· Better Basketball PH

· VVEstrada

· Sy Men

· HumKins

· Phenom

· King of Hoops

· Evogen

· Tough Gear C

· Tough Gear A

· 7 Eleven

Head-to-Head of Top 3 Teams

The event kicked off with the Last Chance Qualifier that enabled Phenom to advance to the Finals later that afternoon. Over the course of the day, each team collided in a series of round-robin style matches, intensified by familiar players like former NCAA player from Lyceum of the Philippines – Seraj Elmejrab of team PACITA, former UAAP player from UST Growling Tigers – John Jordan Sta. Ana of team Phenom, and Senior Board Member of Ilocos Norte – Matthew Marcos Manotoc of LGU.

Red Bull Reign Philippines 2018 - Top 3 Winning Teams

“It’s super robust. Everywhere, you have people playing basketball – old to young, good to not very good, it’s always been a very healthy basketball scene,” says Manotoc. “Probably one of the most vibrant in the world, very proud of the basketball scene, and Red Bull Reign is just a testament to that.”

Red Bull Reign progressed into the semi-finals, which saw three rounds of competitive back-to-back contests between Phenom, Souldier, and LGU.

Despite delays due to the weather throughout the day, Phenom and LGU later advanced to the finals with a score of 46-to-50. Both teams collided on the court but Phenom emerged as the Philippine Champions, at a score of 10-to-06. The winning team included team captain, Carl Kenneth Sumalacay, Jarrold Flores, John Rom Alvarado, and John Jordan Sta. Ana.

Opportunity to Compete in the International Court

“Today was extremely difficult, it was as if we went through the eye of a needle. They were all skilled and hungry to win,” shares Sumalacan. “We are happy and at the same time, excited. We were constantly worn out, but it was all worth it.”

For the second year in a row, PBA legend Vince Hizon oversaw Red Bull Reign as tournament director.

Red Bull Reign Philippines 2018 - Challenge Winners

“We’re really trying to get bigger and better every year. And I think we’re definitely doing that,” says Hizon. “Red Bull truly made a big presence here and what’s nice is the homegrown presence. So hopefully, Phenom represents us well in Washington D.C., and we’re praying for the best.”

According to sports consultant, Al Delos Reyes, “What’s good about Red Bull Reign is that it opens another door for amateurs who, even though haven’t been part of any basketball professional leagues, get the chance to represent the Philippines against 60+ countries. And it’s on, Phenom is flying to Washington, D.C. later this year!”

Following their hard fought victory at the second annual Red Bull Reign, Phenom will represent the Philippines at the World Finals in Washington DC, USA, later this year.