Eight school once again banners the 7th Baden Powell Cup Basketball Tournament as it unfolds with a simple opening ceremony on January 9, 2010 at the Chiang Kai Shek College – Narra Campus’ Benjamin Chua Gymnasium.

The opening rites will start at 1:30PM and will be led by Mr. Chua Keng Hua and Mr. Francisco Tengsan, president and vice-president of the Filipino Chinese Scout Club, respectively. Also expected to grace the occasion is Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Harry C. Angping.

Participating in this year’s competition are Chiang Kai Shek College, Hope Christian High School, St. Stephen’s High School, Philippine Cultural College – Manila, Philippine Cultural College – Caloocan, Philadelphia High School, Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy, and Quezon City Christian Academy.

Chiang Kai Shek College will be aiming for its fifth straight crown, after winning the tournament from 2006 to 2009. As preparation for the BP Cup, the Blazing Dragons competed and fared creditably in numerous interscholastic tournaments, including Hi-Smart Coach E Summer League, Fr. Martin Cup Division II Competition, CKSCAA Tournament, Metro Schools Sports Association Basketball League, Futures Basketball League. The team is still in the thick of the race in one of the divisions of the Metro Manila Basketball League.

Expected to give the CKSC Blazing Dragons a stiff challenge would be perennial rival St. Stephen’s High School, which went into rebuilding its team and has trained well for the competition with a new line-up of coaching staff. The Stephenian scouts were runner-up in the last three editions and would like to finally win its first-ever crown.

Another strong team is Quezon City Christian Academy, which is using the core of its FCAAF Cup Division B team. The QCCA Torchbearers are always strong contenders, and they have just finished their stint at the MMBL in preparation for the BP Cup.

Hope Christian High School hopes to recapture the crown after missing the final four last year. Winner of the first two edition of the tournament, the Hope Campers have a new coach and have recruited some new players to beef up its line-up.

Philadelphia High School, which ended up dead last despite being host last year, is expected to be stronger this year, with an almost intact team that is now well-bonded and is more matured for the tournament. Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy hopes to improve its standing from 3rd Runner-Up last year to notches higher, with almost the same team as well.

Expected to perform well are the two Philippine Cultural College teams representing their Manila and Caloocan campuses. The school decided to field two teams so that the team can practice separately in each of the campus. The Seagulls are hosting many games in the tournament, which they hope will be to their advantage.

The tournament is also supported by Hammerhead Shirts and Jeans, and the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila.