Davao boy is best shot-blocker, rebounder in SBP Jrs. tourney

Fast-rising youth basketball star Mario Emmanuel “Embons” Bonleon Jr. of Davao City emerged as the best rebounder and shot-blocker of the just-concluded National Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Juniors Basketball Championship in Cebu City.
Bonleon helped the Holy Child School of Davao Reds bag third place when they beat the University of San Jose Recoletos-Cebu, 77-72, in the under-17 years old category.
Bonleon topscored for the Reds with 22 points in the last game and averaged 15 rebounds and three blocks per game in the tournament ruled by St. Clare High School.
“I am very proud of my son,” said Emmanuel “Nonoy” Bonleon, the former Swift cager in the PBL.
The father said the training they gave Embons resulted to his outstanding  performance.
“Pinapalaro namin si Embons sa mas mature na mga players para pag dating sa age-group niya, dina siya matatakot,” he said.
The Bonleon family is known for producing basketball players like Nonoy, Arvin Bonleon, who played for the Davao Eagles, Alexander and Ariel, who suited up for commercial squads in Davao City.
Meanwhile, Our Lady of Fatima University bested the University of the Visayas for the crown in the under-19 division while Ateneo de Zamboanga University landed in third place.
The participation of the Reds was backed by Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Sara Duterte with the assistance of SBP regional director Regino “Boy” Cua. [MPB with reports from Jen Hernandez]