2nd row: Isaac Miguel Purugganan, Wayne Anthony Rivera, Rye Teodor Villarruz, John Dave Mindanao, Don Jose Miguel Solis, Santiago Sy, Lorenzo Miguel Purugganan
It was a fitting ending for the De La Salle Santiago Zobel 14U High School (DLSZ) Basketball team also known as the “2010-born” team as they bagged another title in the Throwdown Basketball Premier League Championship held last March 30, 2025 at the Hampton Court, Hillsborough Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Head coach Lance Ingco and Assistant coach Mark Porlahe guided the team against older and tougher opponents in a higher-aged division (15U). Despite being younger, they managed to be undefeated the whole tournament.
In the championship game, teamwork and determination were the key factors to their success as they won against Prime Elite, with a score of 76-63.It was a total team effort as four (4) players scored in double digits. Finals MVP Wayne Rivera had a monster double double with 18 points and 16 rebounds including four (4) blocks and two (2) steals, while wonder twins Ice and Enzo Purugganan scored 14 points and 11 points respectively, and Rye Villarruz, chipped in with 10 points.
Sticking to their identity as a cohesive team, all of the players aside from the top four (4) scorers contributed and gave their all-out effort. Starting guards JD Mindanao and Andrei Albino orchestrated the plays and hit timely baskets while big men Miguel Solis, Ago Sy, and Elias Meloto controlled the paint with tenacious defense and rebounding. Thirdy Delos Reyes and Miguel Alay-ay also made important shots and defended tirelessly with Andy Torroba and Elian Balinghasay making plays and providing the needed hustle.
At the end, it was all about the entire team with the coaches playing together as one. Animo!