PYFBA ballers crowned U16 champs in MARCA Summer League

CEBU, Philippines — The young but promising players of Professional Youth Fellowship Basketball Advocacy (PYFBA) emerged as champion in the Under 16 division of the Metropolis Athletes Referees Coaches Association (MARCA) Summer League 2024 at the Cebu International School (CIS) gym in Barangay Pit-os, Cebu City recently.

But the title glory wasn’t served on a silver platter as the gritty PYFBA ballers had to wade through double overtime before getting past the equally-tough Taters squad via an 88-86 cliffhanger.

“Congratulations to the team for their focus and determination all throughout the tournament and a huge applause to the parents for their all-out support,” said PYFBA founder Deej Villanueva.

Anton Lorenzo Gratones shined the brightest for PYFBA as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in their age-group. He also made it to the Mythical Five together with Xerex Russell Saberon, who added feather in his cap with the Clutch Player Award.

Their teammates also had their fair share of the limelight. Ernelexis Aldave bagged the Hustle Award, while Christian Niño Migallos was feted as the Assists Leader.

“We recognize raw and outstanding talents and skills and the effort of each participating team, coach and players in the hope that they don’t rest on these laurels but continue to strive harder and chase their dreams. As a developmental league, there is more area to grow and inspire each other,” said tournament organizer Felix “Donbel” Belano Jr., a former hardcourt star who holds the distinction for being the only player to score a quadruple-double in a single game in Philippine basketball history.

Under the tutelage of Jan Rellosa who honored as the Best Coach, the other members of the PYFBA U16 champion team are Clark Jan Rellosa, Julio Edwin Brigoli, Kurt Eilliam Cose, Jersey Niño Llacuna, Nash Steven Compra, Hanz Zedric Bensig, Joseph Matthew Orosio, Jhon Cyrus Pancho, John MiguelContreras, Shawn David Linda, Ezio Drei De La Calzada, Janssen Lee Barquilla, and Tonchi Galan.-