By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The 2023 Milo Champion’s basketball league had a successful opening game day last April 16, 2023, held at the Lawi Gym in Jordan, Guimaras.
According to League Commissioner and current West Visayas State University (WVSU) sports director Dr. Richard Gabayoyo, the tip-off was graced by 17 participating teams that will vie for the prestigious Milo basketball title.
The opening game day was attended by huge personalities including Milo Regional Sports Coordinator and Milo promotion and marketing officer, Grace Casulong.
Also in attendance was Mr. Ramon Sonico Jr., the barangay captain of Law and Ms. Shellyn Bilbao who delivered an encouraging speech to formally start the event.
There were five games that treated the Guimarasnons last April 16, the Archegos against team PCBA in the 25-under event, Falcons vs Archegos in the 18-under, Eastern Waves vs Buluangan (18-U), Young Guns vs Holy Rosary (18-U), and team Lawi vs NV Growling Leopards for the last game of the day.
Team Archegos immediately notched their first win of the tournament against PCBA with Joeryn Malan bagging Best Player of the Game honors after dropping 18 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks, and an assist.
After their mastery in the 25-U, team Archegos replicated its winning ways in the 18-U category when they dispatched the Falcons.
Between Holy Rosary and Young Guns, it was team Young Guns who prevailed while the NV Growling Leopards banked on the prowess of Roberto Pareñas to help them take down team Lawi.
After the first elimination phase held in Lawi, the Milo Champion’s League will be holding a road game in Nueva Valencia on April 23, 2023, to be held in the Nueva Valencia gym.
“A very successful opening especially that this Milo champions League is 1st in the Province. I am looking forward for more partnerships with Governmental and Non-Government Organizations to continue promote sports especially basketball to the young children in the Province of Guimaras,” said Dr. Gabayoyo in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
