In a stunning display of youthful energy and sharpshooting, the Ritchie Boy Ballers announced their arrival in the prestigious Cebu City Christmas League with a commanding 95-75 victory over the experienced Mighty Warriors. The match took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the City Sports Institute Gym in Sawang Calero, Cebu City.
Youthful Dominance From the Tip-Off
The collegiate standouts composing the Ritchie Boy Ballers wasted no time, seizing control of the game from the opening whistle. Their aggressive play and fast pace allowed them to build a significant 29-17 lead by the end of the first quarter. They maintained their momentum into halftime, entering the break with a comfortable 46-35 advantage over the veteran-laden Mighty Warriors squad.
Sordilla's Three-Point Barrage Leads the Charge
The undisputed star of the night was sharp-shooter Ricofer Sordilla, who put on a spectacular performance from beyond the arc. Sordilla drained an incredible eight three-pointers on his way to a game-high 30 points, spearheading his team's offensive onslaught.
He was not alone, as the entire Ballers team showcased remarkable long-range accuracy. Under the guidance of coach Gary Cortes, the team connected on a total of 18 three-point shots. Key contributions came from Kent Ivo Salarda and Aj Sabayan, who each hit three triples, while Neon Chavez added two more. This victory marked the Ballers' first win in three league outings.
Mighty Warriors Struggle to Find Footing
On the opposing side, the Mighty Warriors found themselves outmatched by the young guns' intensity and shooting prowess. The loss dropped their record to 0-2 in the tournament. Jaybie Mantilla led the Warriors' effort with 21 points, supported by Joshua dela Cerna and Steven Ursal, who each contributed 12 points.
Looking Ahead: Consistency is Key
Following the impressive win, Ritchie Boy team manager Earl Taborada expressed hope for maintaining their level of play. "We hope that in the next game, the consistency will be maintained," Taborada stated. "Hopefully, we win on Saturday."
He acknowledged their youthful edge but remained cautious of future opponents. "If we talk about age, we have the advantage in stamina, but we can't underestimate them because our opponents are also tough and have the right experience," he added. The Ritchie Boy Ballers are set to face Welec Trucking Services in their next match on Saturday.
