Phl U-13 sweeps elims, enters Guam final

MANILA, Philippines - The Phl 13-Under team tamed the fury of Tamuning Typhoons, 56-39, to sweep the eliminations and advance to the 14-U finals of the Guam Thanksgiving Hoopfest against host Island Dragons Club today in Guam.

Eleven-year-old Jan Carlo Baltazar had four triples while fellow Ateneo recruit Yves Lazaro added two in the second half as the 13-U boys, sent here by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas under Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas as part of SBP’s youth development program, established control for the easy win.

Clark Quijano and Mark Marty, Pawan Deep Singh and Daniel Barranco from AMA U, had 10 points while  Dominic Panlilio, Kean Herrera and Maui Paredes chipped in five in a balanced offensive of the team also backed by SBP executive director Sonny Barrios,  Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz, AMA first vice president Arnel Hibo and team manager Aldric Manrique.

“This is a great international experience and the boys are excited to show what they can against the opposition which is definitely taller and older than they are,” said AMA U head coach Mark Herrera.