Junior Wildcats roar into CYBL finals with dominant rookie-led victory
The Junior Wildcats secured a dominant win in their latest CYBL match, booking their place in the finals. Coached by Axel Rabaya, the team overpowered their opponents despite fielding a largely rookie lineup this season. Their strong performance follows a third-place finish in the previous CESAFI campaign. From the start, the Junior Wildcats took control. They built a commanding 25-point lead early in the game, showcasing their offensive firepower. Jay Klarence Obeso led the charge with 22 points, while Geoffe Vhon Partosa and Maxim Santiago each contributed 16.
In the closing minutes, Springdale fought back under coach Jax Bautista, narrowing the gap to 76-68 with four minutes left. However, the Junior Wildcats responded swiftly. Obeso and Partosa hit three consecutive three-pointers, stretching the lead and sealing their victory. John Paul Desquitado and Florence Lloyd Cawit added 14 and 12 points, respectively, to the winning effort. The team’s success comes after a semifinal upset against the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu/Mandaue, which earned them their finals berth. Most of the current squad are newcomers, stepping up after several key players graduated last season. The Junior Wildcats’ participation in the CYBL serves as preparation for the upcoming CESAFI Season 2026.
The win confirms the Junior Wildcats’ finals spot, highlighting their resilience and skill. With a mix of rookie talent and experienced coaching, they now focus on maintaining their momentum. Their performance sets a strong foundation ahead of the next CESAFI season.
