By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo City Basketball Club (ICBC) annual basketball tournament officially began its first conference of the year held at the Monterosa Subdivision basketball gym, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, last March 9, 2024.
In the first conference of ICBC’s 2024 season, eight teams graced the tournament and will be vying for the coveted championship title.
This year’s participants are Avescor X Alcoballics, Bacfire Industrial Supplies, BBC Basketball, Bastard Coffee X Adrings Lechon, Red Hammer Construction, Medal Sportswear, Selecta, and Pantone Prints X Vertex.
Founded and headed by one of the most renowned basketball players in the City of Love, Mr. Peter Oñate, he established the ICBC basketball tournament aiming for it to become an avenue for non-commercial Ilonggo hoopers where they can enjoy the game that they love.
The program started with the presentation of teams and remarks from Jay Treñas, the Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Iloilo City.
After the short opening program, a double-header matchup immediately highlighted the first day with team Selecta going up against Medal Sportswear while BBC Basketball squared off against Team Bastard Coffee.
Ilonggo hoops enthusiasts and fans were entertained in the very first game as team Selecta took down Medal, 99-95, in a physical nip-and-tuck affair.
Team Selecta was top-scored by Mr. Oñate who erupted for 35 big points and steered his squad over Medal in overtime.
Backstopping Oñate in the hardly-fought win were Marvin Moreno who chipped in 16 points and Tristan Latoza who added 15 markers.
Despite the opening loss, Medal still put up a solid fight and was spearheaded by Third Dahotoy who logged 21 points.
In the last game of the opening game day, BBC Basketball prevailed over the tough Bastard Coffee squad, 87-81.
The ICBC committee would like to thank their partnering organizations: Family 1st Pharmacy, Clinica Dental, VE-EM Enterprises, Mom’s Pizza, Selecta, Lucky 88 Carwash, Angkyot Printing, Gobs Siomai, and Daily Guardian.
