Junior Altas capture PISSA crown

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help Dalta System (UPHSD) trounced Malayan High School, 83-73, to rule the first Philippine Inter-School Sports Association (PISSA) juniors basketball championship at the Lam An Sports Gym in Abad Santos, Manila last Monday.

Coach Joph Cleopas relied on the teamwork of LeBron Jhames Daep, Icee Callangan and JD Pagulayan as the Junior Altas took control and kept the Red Robins at bay the rest of the way.

Daep, son of former PBA player Rommel, topscored with 18 points and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Callangan and Pagulayan added 12 points apiece.

“Total team effort talaga ang nagdala sa team sa panalo,”said Cleopas, who expressed his gratitude to the school officials led by school president Antonio Jose M. Tamayo, team manager Anton Tamayo and sports director Frank Gusi Jr. for all-out support.

Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) president Edwin Fabro awarded the trophies to the winners, assisted by commissioner Tony Quiza Jr and tournament director Romulo Raytos.

Assisting Cleopas on bench are Rommel Daep, CJ Topacio and Gerald Dizon. Jamal Diaz, Kelsey Baldoria and Jan Roluna also played well for the Junior Altas.

Also in the team are Jericho Cristino, Aris Borja, Zyldrone Asuncion, Louie Rosales, TJ Tabbuan, Lance Nitura, Aesthon Salvo, John Mante, John Suico, James Rojas, Mark Derick Cruz and RJ Bernaldez.

Sean Choncey Salvador finished with 19 for the Red Robins, followed by Jillian Palis with 16, Lance Andrei Gragasin with 13 and Aki Valina with 10 points.