MANILA, Philippines - One good reason St. Jude Catholic School is off to a flying start in the second Philipine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) is the hot hands of Renzel Symon Yongco.
The 6-foot-1 forward has impressed even coaches outside of the league because he has the ability to puncture the hoops in multiple ways. A strong slasher, he has a knack for finishing with aplomb in transition.
Still, the chief weapon in Renzel’s vast offensive arsenal is his impeccable long-range shooting – reason why he is averaging 23 points per game to lead St. Jude to a perfect 6-0 record in the juniors division of the eight-team tournament.
The high school senior, who was born in Vancouver and will turn 18 in July, is also averaging 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.0 steals which observers of the young league have attributed to his athleticism and hardworking style of play.
Yongco has mimicked the playing styles of idols PBA veteran Dondon Hontiveros of the Alaska Aces and NBA star Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors with his impeccable outside shooting.
He also starred in the team’s 90-50 victory over Jubilee Christian Academy last Jan. 25 when he chalked up six triples and 23 points in just three quarters.
“I started to develop my three-point skills after watching how Dondon Hontiveros and Steph Curry have helped their teams win with their three-point shooting,” said Yongco.
Yongco is no stranger to success, having been voted as a member of the Mythical Team in the Athletics in Actions tournament in 2012 and named MVP and Three-Point King of the 2014 Got Skills cagefest.
His performance in the PCYAA tourney has made him one of the blue-chip prospects once he jumps into the collegiate ranks later this year.