St. John’s Institute scored a 5-peat record as it retained its NOPSSCEA 10-Under basketball title by defeating Trinity Christian School, 81-60, at West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City, Saturday.

Daniel Coo led the young Johnians with 15 points, while four other SJI players scored in double figures -- Kurt Coloso with 13 points, Kyan Andrade 12, Vinny Vasquez and Miguel Sarmiento with 10 points each.

Jeremiah Castro finished with a game-high 22 points, while Kenn Joseph Ong delivered 10 points to steer Trinity to its best finish in the tournament.

Andrei Philip Lechoncito, Coo and Coloso combined for 20 points in the opening quarter to give the Baby Falcons a 28-10 advantage.

Castro picked up 12 points in the second quarter for TCS, but the trio of Coo, Coloso and Vasquez conspired for another 20 points output to post a commanding 55-28 lead at the break.

Mentored by Arvin Gustilo, TCS managed to outscore SJI in the last two quarters, 18-17 and 14-9, but it was not enough to overhaul the lead of the Baby Falcons.

Andrei Lechoncito added 9 points for SJI, Vin Dominic Chiu scored 3 points, Karlo Chua, Karl Angelo Lechoncito, Josh Luciano and Julio Pandan made 2 points each and Nicholas Steven Pua had a point.

Other members of the SJI champion team coached by Rey Pandoro are Aceford Chua, Ken Ong, Alexus Yao, Kyle Chiu, Gelo Lacson, Joey Paltriguera and JB Co.

TCS got contributions from Philip Torres and JM Figueroa with 8 points each., Ian Lopez hit 4 points, Michael Salado, Dovyle Factor, Kyle Baguio and Kobe with 2 points each.

Other TCS players are Kristofer Samonte, Emmanuel Contiga Jr., Alnic Parreño, Francis Balili, Rajo Mediodia, Kyle Aragon.*

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