CEBU, Philippines — The Disciples and Batang Mandirigma emerged as inaugural champions of the Hoop Kids Basketball League on Sunday, September 1, at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Gym.
The Disciples outclassed the San Jose Blazers of the Professional Youth Fellowship Basketball Advocacy (PYFBA), 52-40, to grab the Under 16 crown.
Jezzrael Devocion netted 10 points, while Kent Tuyco, YlJhul Stan Beltran and Shawn Faciol connived for 21 points for the Disciples, who launched a searing 14-5 run in the second period to turn an early 7-4 lead into a 21-9 advantage at halftime.
The Disciples sustained their moment and surged ahead by as much as 18 points, 39-21, in the last five-minute mark of the contest.
Earlier, the Batang Mandirigma bested A1, 46-36, to clinch the Under 13 title of this newly-formed developmental league organized by Ian Callet of CSAS.
Rain Lleve fired 16 points while Wayne Fajardo and Nico Eballe tallied 15 markers in between them for Batang Mandirigma, which used a decisive third-quarter rally to trounce A1.
On top by just four at the break, 16-12, the Batang Mandirigma dropped a 16-6 bomb to take full control of the match with a 14-point edge, 32-18, going into the final stretch. –