Congratulations to the De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) 10U Basketball Team for capturing the Philippine Athletic Youth Association (PAYA) Championship title on October 25, 2026 at Xavier School, San Juan City.

The coveted title is back home in Alabang after a thrilling victory against a formidable Ateneo de Manila University team.The championship win caps off a phenomenal, unblemished season for the Junior Archers, who completed their tournament run with a perfect 8-0 record. The achievement stands as a testament to the team’s exceptional skill, discipline, hard work, and unselfish teamwork—values these young student-athletes consistently demonstrated both on and off the court.

The final showdown was a classic, hard-fought rivalry game from start to finish. The Junior Archers found their rhythm early, holding a narrow 11-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter and widening the gap to a comfortable 29-20 lead by halftime. Ateneo mounted a fierce second-half rally, cutting the deficit to just five points, 38-33, by the end of the third quarter. The tension peaked in the final two (2) minutes of the game as both sides traded spectacular baskets. Refusing to back down, the team relied on suffocating defense, calm composure, and brilliant ball movement to ultimately seal the  56-47 victory.

Critical to this historic success was the leadership of Head Coach Bryle Orog, whose meticulous preparation, clear strategic game plan, and timely in-game adjustments kept the Junior Archers ahead when it mattered most. He was expertly supported on the bench by Assistant Coach Lance Ingco.

Beyond the tactical execution on the hardwood, the team attributes this milestone to the unwavering love, sacrifices, and support of the DLSZ parents, who served as the true MVPs outside the court. Above all, the team offers this victory back to the Almighty, celebrating with the ultimate praise: “God did!”

This championship highlights the continued success of the DLSZ grassroots sports program, which remains dedicated to identifying, building, and developing elite future basketball talents for the green and white. With such a strong foundation established at the 10U level, the future of DLSZ basketball is undoubtedly bright.

The proud members of the Champion Team:

• Sebastian Niño Aguirre (DLSZ 2035)

• Luis Andres Alvarez (DLSZ 2035)

• Ira Jesiah Buyco (DLSZ 2035)

• Carmelo Kean Castillo (DLSZ 2035)

• Juan Jaime  Cenizal (DLSZ 2034)

• Iñigo Carlos Cuevas (DLSZ 2035)

• Sebastian Del Rosario (DLSZ 2035)

• Julio Miguel Franco (DLSZ 2034)

• Hunter-Caleb Gugol (DLSZ 2035)

• Kendrick Montiadora (DLSZ 2034)

• Simon Paul Natanauan (DLSZ 2034)

• Rafael Luis Pulido (DLSZ 2034)

• Wilson Andrew Rivera (DLSZ 2034)

• Riley Alessandro Santos (DLSZ 2034)

• Joaquin Andre Suriaga (DLSZ 2035)

Click to watch the thrilling championship game highlights: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Dzji9ypg1/

Animo La Salle!