The immense potential of young Negrense cagers Clark Bautista and Luigi Dela Paz were recognized in the National Nike Elite Camp in Laguna recently.

Dela Paz, a six-foot point guard expected to see action for La Salle-Zobel in the UAAP juniors tournament this year, was named best camper and selected to the mythical five of the 15-Under division, basketball scout Dexter Dy, who served as the local elite camp coordinator said.

Bautista, who graduated from Benedictine International School recently, was named among the top five players in the 17-Under category.

Dela Paz hails from Silay City and played for the University of St. La Salle-Integrated School, before transferring to La Salle Zobel. He was part of the Negros Occidental squad that ruled the regional Palaro last year.

Bautista, on the other hand, is from Bacolod City and represented Trinity Christian School, which he helped to a NOPSSCEA elementary cage title a few years ago, A shooting guard with a deft touch from the perimeter, Bautista was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the National Inter-Secondary Basketball Championships in Cebu City, where he also led BIS to the crown.

Dela Paz, who has undergone training with strength and conditioning coach Kirk Collier, was the last player cut from the national youth team that includes Murcia’s Jairold Flores. *CPT

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