JB ABL Battle of the 7 Districts “Reloaded” successfully kicks off

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Ilonggo basketball community just got what it asked for.

Behold, the return of the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL).

After an almost three-month hiatus, the grandest basketball league in the City of Love is back, kicking off a busy year-long hoops calendar with the highly anticipated Battle of the 7 Districts “Reloaded” conference.

The talented 18-under representatives from City Proper, Jaro, Arevalo, Lapuz, Mandurriao, Molo, and La Paz flocked to the Don Francisco basketball gym in Jaro, Iloilo, on June 3, 2026, for the conference’s formal opening ceremony.

“We are exploring a different pathway. This time, ang mga uprising 18-U players naman ang gaan naton spotlight,” said JB ABL Commissioner and founder Mr. Jayphet Balbacal in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

According to Mr. Balbacal, this JB ABL Battle of the 7 Districts edition will be different from past conferences, as a dual-bracket format will be introduced for the first time.

Due to the influx of interested teams and players, Mr. Balbacal decided to welcome two teams from each district, bringing the total number of participating squads to 14.

“For this year’s conference, may duwa kita ka team per district. Winner in the classification game between the two teams will automatically be designated to Division I, loser to Division II,” Mr. Balbacal clarified.

When the postseason comes, the top five teams from Division I will advance, while three teams from Division II will also claim playoff spots.

Two games highlighted the opening day, with Arevalo edging the La Paz All Stars, 73-71, in the first scheduled matchup.

An intense mano-a-mano affair then capped the opening ceremony, with Jimuel Paredes steering the Jaro Titans to a 69-66 win over the City Proper Stalwarts.

JB ABL would like to thank the Daily Guardian, the league’s official media partner, Mesuca Philippines for providing the official game balls, and the board of committees.

“Sa liwat-liwat ta nga linyahan, kabay pa nga tawhay lang asta magdugay kag wala injuries,” Mr. Balbacal added.

“This is the time nga ang every district makapangita naman sang mga next generation of talents that will banner them sa mga future leagues. Everyone is welcome maglantaw, be updated sa amon Facebook page.”