By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Let the games begin.
The biggest hoops league in Iloilo City is officially back as the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL) kicked off its School Wars II opening ceremonies last November 26, 2023, held at the Iloilo Doctor’s College.
Mr. Leobert Julian A de la Peña of the Daily Guardian newspaper gave the opening remarks while commissioner and founder Jayphet Balbacal gave his closing message while also declaring the School Wars II conference officially open.
During the first game of the opening tip-off, the Angelicum School of Iloilo man-handled Passi National High School, 94-78.
Bart Iringan earned the Best Player of the Game honors after scoring 21 big points while also grabbing seven rebounds and four assists.
Despite a slow start from ASIL, the young boys recovered in the most perfect time midway through the second quarter after banking on its full-court pressure defense.
ASIL then took control of the game after tallying successive steals and ballooned their largest lead of the game to 23 points.
Meanwhile, in the second matchup, the Mandurriao National High School obliterated Iloilo National High School, 102-71.
It was a familiar scene for the JB ABL developmental league twin champions as Mandurriao showcased its patient defensive schemes while also executing their set offensive plays.
Adrian Quinico’s stellar performance helped him clinch the Best Player of the Game after wrapping up their first win with 29 big points.
For the main event, the revamped University of San Agustin had a walk in the park against the Iloilo Science and Technology University, 116-78.
It was all San Agustin from the get-go as their relentless defense made it hard for ISAT-U to put up points on board.
Claiming the Best Player of the Game honors is one of San Agustin’s senior varsity members Erjohn Hermogino who scored 14 total markers.
