St. John’s Institute foiled University of St. La Salle-Integrated School’s bid to clinch another age-group basketball title before the year ends as it trashed the latter, 69-45, to retain the LNA7 Sports Foundation 10-Under crown at the West Negros University Gym.

Leading the SJI Baby Falcons’ surge were Miguel Sarmiento and Kurt Coloso, who combined for 10 points in the opening quarter to put pressure on the Baby Stingers.

The young Johnians widened the gap in the second quarter as they posted a 30-15 lead at halftime with Andre Lechoncito delivering 8 points, while Daniel Coo and Gelo Lacson  scored 4 points each, while the young La Sallians got 8 points from Nathaniel Sevilla.

Mentored by Rey Pandoro, the Baby Falcons remained in control of the game in the second half with JB Co scoring 10 points in the third quarter, while the Baby Stingers were limited to two points. SJI posted a commanding 46-17 lead going to the fourth quarter.

Determined to put up a good fight, USLS-IS made a last stand in the fourth quarter as the trio of Yuki Kamei , Sevilla  and JJ Castro pooled their efforts for a 19-point attack but the SJI countered with 15 points to secure the win.

Co paced SJI with 17 points, wile Coo added 12, Andrei Lechoncito  shot 10, Kurt Coloso, Miguel Sarmiento and Kean Andrada tallied 6 points each.

Sevilla paced USLS-IS  with  14 points, backstopped by Kamei 12, Castro and Gavin De La Cruz with 5 points each.

Named to the Mythical Five selection of the tournament were Most Valuable Players  Daniel Coo, Kurt Coloso, and Kean Andrada from SJI and Nathaniel Sevilla of USLS-IS and Jacinto from the Stallions.*NAB

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