THE UAAP launches its maiden Junior High School basketball tournament beginning this Sunday, March 10, at the UST Quadricentennial Gym.
The demonstration event, an Under-16 tilt, features seven schools, namely, Adamson University, Ateneo High School, De La Salle-Zobel, Far Eastern University-Diliman, National University Nazareth School, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the East.
Each of the schools will take turns hosting the meet throughout its run.
Rodrigo Roque of UE, the 86th Season president, expressed the importance of adding another division to its high school ranks.
“We recognize the need for nurturing our young talents at the high school level. Introducing a dedicated division for Junior High School student-athletes is a crucial step, ensuring equal exposure that becomes the bedrock for their development in higher competitions,” Roque said. “This move not only hones their skills early but also readies them for the road ahead.”
The tournament kicks off at 9 a.m. with exciting duels pitting UST and FEU-D, followed by NUNS taking on Adamson at 11 a.m., and UE against DLSZ at 1 p.m.
The highlight of the opening day will be the 11 a.m. clash between the Baby Falcons and the Bullpups, a rematch of the recent High School Boys’ finals where Adamson bagged its first crown in the sport since 1993.
According to Baby Falcons coach Mike Fermin and Bullpups counterpart Kevin de Castro, they will field new Grade 10 and below players for the tournament.