St. Robert’s Ends 10-Year ILOPRISAA Drought

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Runner-ups no more.

After a decade-long title drought, the St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets captured the ILOPRISAA high school boys’ basketball championship, sweeping the Iloilo Doctor’s College (IDC) Medics on Dec. 21, 2024.

The Panda Rockets sealed their perfect season with a decisive Game 2 win, 67-54, completing their undefeated campaign from the elimination rounds to the playoffs.

St. Robert’s showcased their offensive prowess through fluid motion plays and precise ball movement, dominating IDC with pick-and-pop strategies and backdoor cuts.

Despite IDC’s three-point shooting efforts, the Panda Rockets maintained control, ending the first half with well-executed plays that freed up shooters at critical spots on the court.

The momentum swung decisively in the third quarter when St. Robert’s extended their lead with a series of well-mapped offensive plays, keeping their double-digit cushion intact.

IDC attempted to counter with soft full-court pressure, but St. Robert’s cohesion and court generalship allowed them to weather the challenge.

In Game 1, the Panda Rockets overwhelmed IDC with a 74-59 win at the University of San Agustin Gym, setting the tone for the series.

Determined to avoid a do-or-die Game 3, St. Robert’s delivered the knockout blow in Game 2, clinching the championship and ending a 10-year drought.

Head coach John Guanco, who led the team to their previous ILOPRISAA title in 2014, once again guided the Panda Rockets to victory.

The 2014 championship team featured standout players like Jay Pido, Marvin Tonggol, Jovan Pacheco, Jerome Gonzales, Melvin Alleta, Tato Ogunsanya, and Christian Acero, a roster still remembered in Iloilo high school basketball history.