Basketball has always been a popular sport in the Philippines, with the country producing some of the best players in the world. The SMART National Basketball Training Centre (NBTC) League is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Philippines, featuring players with Filipino heritage from around the world. This year, the tournament saw the first ever participation of a women’s team. It was a historic moment for Jolzyne Impreso and Isabella De Jesus, two Filipino-Australian players who represented the Fil-Nation Select team and emerged as champions.
The Journey to the Championship
Jolzyne Impreso and Isabella De Jesus were among the top talents selected to play for the Fil-Nation Select team in the NBTC League 2023. They joined six other Fil-Americans to form a formidable team that was coached by Roger Mantua. The girls’ team made history by being the first ever female team to participate in the tournament, and they went on to win the championship in style.
Jolzyne and Isabella played a pivotal role in the team’s success, with Jolzyne finishing as the top scorer in the finals game with 17 points. Isabella also delivered a crucial 3-point shot to secure the lead difference against National University (NU) Nazareth High School, one of the top-quality teams in the competition. The Fil-Nation Select team emerged victorious with a score of 63-54.
A Dream Come True
For Jolzyne and Isabella, playing in the NBTC League was a dream come true. Both girls have a passion for basketball and have been playing the sport for many years. The opportunity to participate in the tournament presented itself through Fil-Nation Select, which works to identify talented players with Filipino lineage around the world.
Jolzyne’s parents, Jolly and Marinette, have been incredibly supportive of her basketball journey and her love for her Filipino heritage. As the daughter of two Filipino parents, Jolzyne was thrilled to have the opportunity to play basketball in the Philippines and represent her motherland on an international stage.
Isabella’s parents, Charles and Melissa, have also supported her basketball career and her exploration of her cultural heritage. With a Filipino father and a Fil-Australian mother, Isabella was proud to showcase her basketball skills in the tournament and learn more about her Filipino roots.
Looking Ahead
The NBTC League was a tough tournament for Jolzyne and Isabella, but it was also a platform for them to showcase their talent and pursue their dreams of representing the Gilas Philippines National team. Coach Roger Mantua has been instrumental in their success. His leadership has helped the team make history and paved the way for more female participation in the tournament in the future.
The story of Jolzyne Impreso and Isabella De Jesus is an inspiring one, and it shows that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible. They have made history and have set an example for young girls around the world who aspire to play basketball at the highest level. The future looks bright for these two talented players, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve next.
