By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Two teams from Mandurriao and the Santa Clarita Primes clinched bigtime wins during the recent weekend schedule of the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL) developmental league last May 20, 2023, held at the Hacienda Verde basketball gym in Pavia, Iloilo.
The Mandurriao Cougars ended the day with two victories in the 17-Under and the U-15 categories and were dominant from start to finish.
In the U-17 category, the Cougars had a convincing win over the Avanceñans after finding their shooting rhythm early in the game, 76-52.
Nikko Buendia stole the limelight during that win and was hailed as Best Player of the Game after putting up 26 points.
Meanwhile, in the U-15 category, Mandurriao continued its dominance and handed the Iloilo National High School (INHS) a demolition exhibition, 75-53.
It was an all-around effort from the young hoopers of Mandurriao after showing an improved defensive game compared to their last performance in San Agustin.
Justine Mark Sanchez’s energy and efficient scoring boosted his chance of winning the Best Player of the Game honors while also contributing 15 markers for the Cougars.
Sta. Clarita, one of the most talented teams in the tournament, continued its dominant campaign after crushing the Central Philippine University (CPU), 68-52, in the U-15 category.
The Primes once again showed their full-court pressure prowess against CPU which helped them balloon their lead after the first half.
Gian Villarante’s solid performance of 18 points and a couple of blocked shots were the reasons why he was named the Best Player of the Game.
For the other games, team Hunters won against Leganes in the U-12 category, 68-45, while the SLM Sportswear edged Barotac Viejo, 58-49.
