Team Prodigy wins 2022 Victoria Cup Basketball Tournament

Team Prodigy wins 2022 Victoria Cup Basketball Tournament

Standing from left: Coach Norm Santilan, Ethan, Diego, Isaiah, Mark, Ezekiel, Jaden, Jahsyah. Sitting from left: Coach Mike Flores, Erolle, Paul

By Catherine Carpio

OSHAWA–The Victoria Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament is a yearly event organized by Filipino Centre Toronto and it is held during the Victoria Day long weekend.

For the past two years however, during the Covid pandemic, the games were put to a break. This year in March, when the city of Toronto had approved the reopening of events, the Filipino basketball community couldn’t be more excited. Held at the Toronto Pan Am Centre and at the Durham College campus in Oshawa, V-Cup was attended by various age groups from as young as those born in 2012.

Seven teams competed in the 2006 division. Having only one entry, and not (yet) so popular in the Filipino basketball community, Prodigy Athletics Academy played five games and won all, including the championship game where they scored 67 to 54 against the other team.

The very proud and happy parents and grandparents of Team Prodigy 2006

“We were a little concerned because the boys practiced for two hours only on the eve of the tournament.” exclaimed Erwina Malonzo, one of the parents. “But we believe that the boys have the required skillset, the chemistry and the determination,” she said.

Needless to say, that basketball has gained enormous popularity (not only) in the Filipino community. The tournament was watched by a huge audience.

“The Victoria Cup Basketball tournament continues to be a staple in the Filipino basketball community where they provide a platform for players young and experienced to bring their game to the next level,” said Mike Flores, one of the coaches of Prodigy Athletics Academy, “Prodigy is honoured to be a part of this rich basketball culture and we are proud to be the Victoria Cup 2006 Division Champions in 2022,” he added.