Without a doubt, Noel Kampton was the real MVP.
From steering Team Power to a four-set victory over Team Passion and clinching the Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game MVP honors, to energizing the crowd throughout the match, Kampton’s impact went well beyond the stat sheet as he set the tone both on the floor and in the overall atmosphere of the showcase.
Kampton also played a key role in hyping up the crowd, engaging in light banter and animated exchanges with Criss Cross head coach Tai Bundit on the opposing Team Passion bench, adding color and entertainment to the exhibition match.
“So, naisip ko lang na, sige, pag naka-score ako—eh, na-score ko ‘yung Premier Ball ba ’yun—eh, naka-dalawa kami,” said Kampton, who crossed over to the opposing side to tease Bundit after converting two Premier Balls that sparked a 6-0 run for Team Power in the first set.
“Lapit talaga ako kay Coach Tai. Ta-trashtalkin ko siya,” he added.
The former La Salle star delivered 14 points on 13 attacks and one block as Team Power fended off a late push from Team Passion to clinch a 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23 victory at the Candon City Arena on Friday.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Kampton said the All-Star Game MVP recognition carried special meaning for him, as it marked his first individual award in his Spikers’ Turf career after previously falling short of similar honors in league play.
“Siyempre special sa akin kasi in the past few seasons wala akong award sa Spikers’ Turf or sa UAAP pero importante naman, happy ako,” said the 26-year-old Kampton, who won two championships with the King Crunchers.
“But ito, siyempre, special sa akin kasi first All-Star ko sa Spikers’ Turf. Sobrang happy lang talaga. Thank you sa opportunity kay Coach Sydney. Sobra akong happy,” he added.
Kampton, however, said the honor also came with deeper motivation, revealing he was on a mission to deliver the win for Team Power head coach Sydney Calderon, especially after Criss Cross defeated Calderon’s Savouge in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.
“Coming from a loss sa naming Criss Cross, sabi naming mga Criss Cross ipanalo natin ‘to para kay Ma’am Sydney, so sana happy siya,” he shared.
But all that—from teasing Bundit to helping Team Power beat his Team Passion—might have come with a price once the King Crunchers return to training.
“Pero (mukhang) yari ako sa kanya,” Kampton said with a laugh.
