Champions crowned as SLA Junior World Showcase wraps up

Sports

AFTER five days of intense hardcourt action, the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase finally concluded with championship matches on Sunday, July 5, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Leading the winner’s circle were the powerhouse JProject Ballers, who seized the 19-Under crown by dominating Phenom Parola-Panoan in their championship match, 96-72.

The Ballers played without top gun Dairick Duterte but crowd-favorite Kenji Yob "Chog" Moral Moral was there to deliver the goods as he powered the champion squad with 29 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Johari Domingo backed Moral with 13 points. Ren Illescas added 12 markers while Alexander Ejurango had 10 markers.

John Glenn Maningo led Phenom Parola with 18 points, while Lucky Troy Gatoria had 10.

In the 23-under division, Phenom celebrated its own championship by chalking up a 66-62 win over the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters.

Mark Jade Sarza led the Phenom with 15 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, and a steal. He was backed by Peter Rosillo and Bonel Sacro, who each had 14 points.

In the 13-U division, the Microsmith Davao Eaglets wrested the crown by thrashing BSA New York, 88-60, with Floyd Lucero tallying 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Lucero was named MVP, leading the Mythical Five along with teammate Mateo Lucas Carpio, the son of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Wresting the 15-U championship trophy was Tumakbo United, which tripped sister team Tumakbo South California, 77-61.

Jace Ribac led the way for Tumakbo United with 23 points, three rebounds, and one assist.(CCM)