THE NEXT generation of local hoops stars finally took stage as the inaugural season of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship officially tipped off on Saturday.
16 squads across the Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 divisions of the PYBC made their debuts at the Paco Arena in Manila, and among the headlines of the league’s offerings was Chef’s Magic MLO Basketball emerging triumphant over Jet’s Barbershop, 78-75, in U13 action.
MLO’s Syrus Demante led Mark Lopez’s boys with a stellar outing of 17 points, 10 assists, six steals, and five rebounds, allowing himself to be named the PalawanPay Player of the Game.
“Excited po talaga ako maglaro dito eh,” said Demante of the PYBC which is supported by Cherifer, Chronos, Chooks to Go, Aces Solar, Goodday Friz, Oak Group of Companies, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Team Access – Official Nike Partner, and Daily Essencials.
“Matagal ko pong inantay itong chance na ‘to, pero ine-expect ko pong mas marami pang malalakas dito next time,” added Demante.
On the other hand, Jet’s was led by Patrick Tumbaga who poured in a game-high 26 points despite the loss.
Meanwhile, also on the winning end was Smile 360 Bullies U13 as they defeated JPM-TEC San Beda U13, 71-66.
Oscar Bagion paced Smile 360 with 13 points, five steals, three assists, and two rebounds, allowing him to earn the Player of the Game honors.
San Beda, for its part, relied on Aiden Kitong’s monster 18-point, 14-rebound double-double.
In another U13 bout, Aces Solar Locked In moved past GTG Foundation Los Baños Gallants, 73-59.
Liam Santos stood tall with 12 points and 22 rebounds, while Philip Punzalan topscored for his squad with 16 markers.
For Los Baños, Ram Angelo Lebornio finished with a game-high 19 points, a silver lining in the defeat.
In another nail-biter, Smile 360 defeated San Beda Alabang in the U15 ranks, 76-74.
Roan Lee Ancheta spearheaded the Bullies with 24 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal as Smile 360 mirrored the win of their younger counterparts in U13.
Akhiro Reynon led San Beda Alabang with his double-double of 13 markers and 14 boards.
In another U15 division action, Lev Construction Full Potential Basketball dominated Migueluz Trading Mordeno, 77-49.
Justin Abanes impressed with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Lev Construction, while Juan Cortes was solid with 16 rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Despite the loss, Rye Teodor Villaruz shone with 20 markers and 11 boards.
Wrapping up Saturday’s U15 division games, Prime Ascension Medical Supplies San Anton moved past Migrafix Doc Boleros, 74-65.
Jesse Arellano was dominant with 16 points, 14 rebounds, a steal, and a block to lead his team, while Thadeus Angeles, Tristan Teoc, and Von Dalangin scored in double digits with 14, 13, and 11 markers, respectively.
Khryz Alexandr Samson finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Riley Yuan Dela Cruz contributed 12 for Migafrix in the loss.
Over to the U11 side, Taho Story Sigma strolled past RWE Jaba Medical, 58-32.
Josh Brixter received the Player of the Game citations after he paced Taho Story with an impressive 17-point, 17-rebound game with four blocks, two steals, and an assist.
RWE was led by Joakim Castro’s 11 markers with seven steals.
In the same division, Spartans thrashed Grupong Bedista & Co., 99-38.
Christian Emmanuel Tan led the Spartans with 24 points, 12 steals, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Grupong Bedista leaned on Adam Mikhail Zafra with 11 markers and seven steals.
