BACOLOD City – St. John’s Institute Falcons captured the 18-and-under championship of the Online Basketball Sinulog League after completing an unbeaten run at the tournament at the Cebu Eastern College Gym in Cebu City.
SJI opened its campaign with a 61–38 win over Jump Stop of Surigao, then followed it up with a 78–65 victory against Davao. The team continued to roll with a 54–44 decision over Cebu Eastern College before cruising past Ormoc, 70–40, to book a spot in the finals.
In the championship game, SJI again faced Ormoc and pulled away late for a 64–57 victory to secure the league title.
Ryton Celis was named Most Valuable Player after delivering steady all-around performances throughout the tournament. He was also selected to the Mythical 5, along with teammate Andrew Hucalinas.
The SJI 18U championship roster was composed of Nathaniel Fajardo, Rafael Rondez, Will Anthony Jover Sy, Rhett Tabanao, Antonio Del Oeste, Jose Miguel Jover Sy and Irish Navarro.
Also part of the team were Marshall Navales, Marcus Navales, Kyle Salgado, Sam Mikhail C. Sardua, and Roland Oñate. The team was coached by Troy Sarabia, with Ronnie Panaguiton and Kidong Soliza serving as assistant coaches.
St. John’s Institute also fielded a 12-under team, which finished with a 2–2 record and narrowly missed the finals.
The SJI 12U squad included Joachim Gozar, Matt Sofia, Santi Garcia, Miguel Padilla, Mason Chua, Clyde Sia, Nicholas Abong, Arryl Gono, Ash Bachoco, Dale Escarilla, Matteo Tan, Liam Delina, and Jack Chan.
The strong showing of both the 18U and 12U teams highlighted St. John’s Institute’s continuing program in youth basketball development./PN
