WITH still two games left in the elimination round, the CSB-LSGH Junior Blazers have secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
It was the first time in school history that the Greenies earned the incentive in the NCAA juniors basketball division.
Led by Inand Fornilos and Joshua David, CSB-LSGH bested Lyceum, 80-75, on Thursday, to notch their 14th win in 16 games. Fornilos was a man on a mission as he poured in 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. His stellar play earned him the number one spot in the Chooks-to-Go/NBTC NCAA 24 weekly high school rankings.
David had a 20-point production, placing him right behind Fornilos. David also made a significant impact on the defensive end as he challenged the 3-point attempt by John Barba in the closing moments, helping his team get the win.
At third in the weekly rankings is JRU's John Amores. The versatile big man put up 12 points, six boards, and three steals in a semis-securing win over EAC. The Light Bombers are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2014.
Completing the top five are standout guard Joel Cagulangan of the Junior Blazers and Jonnel Policarpio of the Mapua Red Robins.
Perpetual Help's Ezdel Galoy is in sixth spot after a pair of solid outings. He put up 19 points and 14 rebounds in a win over EAC then followed it up with another double-double of 21 points and 10 boards against Letran.
Rounding out the top ten are Mapua's Dan Arches, Arellano's Aaron Fermin, Lyceum's Mac Guadana, and Mapua's Clint Escamis.
The complete Week 14 rankings:
- Inand Fornilos (CSB) (4)
2. Joshua David (CSB) (15)
3. John Amores (JRU) (3)
4. Joel Cagulangan (CSB) (2)
5. Jonnel Policarpio (MU) (7)
6. Ezdel Galoy (UPHSD) (N/A)
7. Dan Arches (MU) (13)
8. Aaron Fermin (AU) (6)
9. Mac Guadana (LPU) (1)
10. Clint Escamis (MU) (8)
11. Emman Galman (UPHSD) (11)
12. Penny Estacio (SBU) (N/A)
13. Marwin Dionisio (JRU) (N/A)
14. Rom Junsay (AU) (10)
15. John Barba (LPU) (9)
16. Tony Ynot (SBU) (N/A)
17. Milo Janao (SSC) (24)
18. Justine Sanchez (SBU) (N/A)
19. John Delos Santos (JRU) (5)
20. Ronald Bucoy (JRU) (N/A)
21. RC Calimag (CSB) (14)
22. Kean Baclaan (SSC) (12)
23. JR Ilustrisimo (EAC) (N/A)
24. Shawn Argente (CSJL) (N/A)
This year, there will be three separate editions of the NBTC 24 – one for the NCAA, one for the UAAP, and one for the CESAFI – to accommodate the Juniors calendar for the whole year.
After all three editions have been completed, a final list composing the top 24 players nationwide will then be chosen to participate in the annual NBTC All-Star Game in March.
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