TURNKEY Solution has been crowned the U18 boys champion of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting Basketball League after mounting a second-half rally against Hardt Eye to secure a 39–36 victory in the title game at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Thursday night.
Hardt Eye had a strong start, controlling most of the opening half.
Christian Lucero sparked the offense, quickly becoming unstoppable — turning a split at the free-throw line into a scoring surge, finishing with 12 first-half points and helping his team build an early eight-point lead.
Although TurnKey was playing catch-up, they gradually closed the gap through sheer grit. They struggled to find the bottom of the net against tough defensive coverage but excelled at drawing fouls. Free throws from Jairus Pangelinan, Kian Helgen, and Michael Mercado accounted for six key points from the line, allowing TurnKey to trail by just one possession at halftime, 19–17.
The intensity escalated in the second half as both teams battled for the lead.
With Lucero largely neutralized, Hardt Eye turned to Dane Tibayan and Hilaro Palino to lead the charge. The duo responded, keeping their side competitive.
But TurnKey had answers. Two crucial three-pointers — one from Mercado and another from Austin Diaz — marked the turning point, giving TurnKey its first lead of the night.
Despite Hardt Eye’s efforts, their chances of a comeback were dashed by costly turnovers and missed opportunities. In the end, they had to accept a narrow 39–36 defeat, as TurnKey Solution claimed the U18 boys championship.
TurnKey Solution players pose with the U18 boys championship trophy of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting Basketball League during the awards ceremony at the Ada gym on Thursday night.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
TurnKey Solution’s Kian Helgen rises up for the contested shot against Hardt Eye during the U18 boys championship game of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting Basketball League at the Ada gym on Thursday night.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Hardt Eye’s Ibrahim Ibarola goes for the reverse layup against TurnKey Solution during the U18 boys championship game of the 2025 Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting Basketball League at the Ada gym on Thursday night.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
