In a thrilling finale at the Palarong Pambansa high school basketball tournament, the CALABARZON region, led by standout guard Dairick Duterte, pulled off a stunning upset against heavily favored Davao to claim the championship title. The game, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcased the grit and determination of the underdog squad.
Duterte delivered a masterful performance, scoring a game-high 28 points and adding 7 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise beyond his years. His leadership on the court proved crucial as CALABARZON overcame an early deficit to seize control in the second half.
"I'm so proud of my team. We believed in ourselves even when others didn't," Duterte said after the game. "We worked hard all season, and this victory is for everyone in CALABARZON."
The win marks a historic moment for the region, which had not won the Palarong Pambansa high school basketball title in over a decade. Davao, the defending champions, struggled to find their rhythm against CALABARZON's relentless defense and fast-break attacks.
Coach Ricardo Santos praised his players' resilience: "They never gave up. We studied Davao's plays and executed our game plan perfectly. This is a testament to our teamwork and dedication."
The final score was 85-79 in favor of CALABARZON, sparking wild celebrations among the team and their supporters. The tournament, held this year in Cebu City, brought together the best young talents from across the Philippines.