The next generation of local basketball stars officially took center stage as the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) launched its inaugural season on Saturday, September 27, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Sixteen squads across the Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 divisions made their debuts, with Chef’s Magic MLO Basketball edging Jet’s Barbershop, 78-75, in a thrilling U13 opener.
MLO’s Syrus Demante led the way with 17 points, 10 assists, six steals, and five rebounds to earn PalawanPay Player of the Game honors. “Excited po talaga ako maglaro dito eh,” said Demante, who added that he expects tougher competition as the season progresses.
Jet’s Barbershop was paced by Patrick Tumbaga, who scored a game-high 26 points in a losing effort.
Smile 360 and Aces Solar shine in U13
Smile 360 Bullies U13 pulled off a 71-66 victory over JPM-TEC San Beda U13 behind Oscar Bagion’s all-around 13-point performance. Aiden Kitong kept San Beda in the fight with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double.
In another U13 showdown, Aces Solar Locked In outlasted GTG Foundation Los Baños Gallants, 73-59. Liam Santos grabbed 22 rebounds alongside 12 points, while Philip Punzalan led scoring with 16. Los Baños standout Ram Angelo Lebornio tallied 19 points.
U15 and U11 divisions deliver strong starts
In the U15 ranks, Smile 360 outlasted San Beda Alabang, 76-74, behind Roan Lee Ancheta’s 24 points. Lev Construction Full Potential Basketball dominated Migueluz Trading Mordeno, 77-49, with Justin Abanes posting 21 markers. Prime Ascension Medical Supplies San Anton capped the day with a 74-65 win over Migrafix Doc Boleros, thanks to Jesse Arellano’s 16-point, 14-rebound outing.
The youngest bracket also showcased future talent. Taho Story Sigma cruised past RWE Jaba Medical, 58-32, as Josh Brixter delivered 17 points and 17 rebounds. Spartans crushed Grupong Bedista & Co., 99-38, led by Christian Emmanuel Tan’s 24 points, 12 steals, and eight rebounds.
With the PYBC underway, early standouts have already begun to make their mark in the grassroots hoops scene, setting the stage for a competitive season.
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