The young cagers from Bacolod City have emerged victorious in a major youth basketball tournament held in the Visayas. The St. John's team representing Bacolod captured the championship in the Online Basketball League (OBL) Sinulog Cup 2026 18-under basketball tournament this past weekend.
Intense Championship Clash in Cebu
The championship game was a hard-fought battle against a determined Ormoc squad. The final showdown took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Cebu Eastern College gymnasium. In a display of skill and determination, the Bacolod team managed to secure a 64-57 victory to claim the coveted tournament trophy.
Individual Honors and Mythical Five
Following the championship game, individual awards were handed out, with Ruyton Celis of Bacolod receiving the top honor. Celis's outstanding performance throughout the competition earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).
He was joined in the tournament's Mythical Five selection by other standout players:
- James Subayno (Ormoc)
- Joshua Sicsic (Ormoc)
- Andre Hucalinas (Bacolod)
- Kenneth Fuller (Cebu)
Tournament Background and Organizers
The competitive event tipped off on Wednesday, January 14, and featured a total of six teams vying for the championship. The annual Sinulog Cup is organized by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) mainstay Mark Anthony Tallo and coach Rodmark del Rosario. Their initiative continues to provide a valuable platform for young basketball talents in the region to showcase their skills.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Bacolod youth basketball program, highlighting the city's growing reputation as a hub for developing young athletic talent. The win in Cebu is expected to boost the morale of the local sports community and inspire the next generation of players.
