ICNHS stuns SYSHS to capture JB ABL School Wars Division I title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo City National High School pulled off a major stunner after taking down Sun Yat Sen High School, 95-72, to bag the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL) School Wars Division I championship title on Aug. 24, 2025.

Fresh off a do-or-die series win over the University of Iloilo Wildcats during the semifinals, ICNHS picked up where it left off and became the first school to take down the formidable SYSHS, which wrapped up the elimination phase without a single defeat.

ICNHS stepped on the gas pedal to grab the momentum-boosting win, playing a high-octane approach that caught the half-court-oriented SYSHS off guard.

As early as the opening set, ICNHS already deployed a run-and-gun attack that didn’t allow the SYSHS defense to settle in the half-court.

With a much quicker pace, ICNHS was able to generate open looks—mostly from the perimeter—and piled up the fast-break points for an early 24-12 advantage.

From that point, ICNHS sustained its momentum, punching SYSHS in the gut with three-point shot haymakers to protect its cushion.

Just when ICNHS thought it could drop the hammer early, SYSHS countered after a personal run from Kins Go trimmed the deficit to eight points, 39-31.

However, that one window of opportunity became the final chance for SYSHS to inch closer, as the trio of Elvin “Estoy” Lencioco, Arjay Ardonia, and Rommel Fuego joined hands to balloon the lead to as much as 26 points.

The combination of Lencioco’s perimeter prowess, Ardonia’s slashing ability, and the craftiness of Fuego propelled ICNHS to its best finish since joining the JB ABL School Wars Alumni Division.

With Lencioco’s 11-point performance, the committee hailed him as the Best Player of the Division, while Ardonia and Fuego garnered Player of the Game and Maaasahan Player of the Game honors, respectively.

On the other hand, the SYSHS Blue Lions will still have a chance to get a shot at redemption if they are able to survive the tough challenge in Division II.

According to tournament rules, the finalist loser in Division I will be relegated to Division II, where it awaits the winner in the playoff round.

“Salamat kay natapos ang aton Division I sang matawhay kag wala injuries,” JB ABL commissioner and founder Jayphet Balbacal said in an exclusive interview with Daily Guardian.

“Congratulations to ICNHS, and also to Tion San. Division II naman next. Praying for another week of safety and good health sa aton mga players.”