AFTER eight years of chasing the elusive title, the Davao Jones Academy (DJA) Spunky at last brought home the title after routing Lamb of God Sped Academy (LGSA) Saints, 94-79, in the finals of the Davao Association of Private Schools and Administrators (Daprisa) 2018 basketball tournament held at the Doña Pilar Learning Center Foundation basketball gym over the weekend.
Defending champion Ford Academy of the Arts (FAA) Blue Phoenix was eliminated via game forfeiture against Precious International School of Davao (PISD), thus, giving DJA, a runner-up in the past eight years, an opportunity to advance.
However, LGSA was no pushover as it secured a seven-point edge from a six point deficit in the first period.
But DJA rallied in the third canto with Askiah Echavia scoring 13 points to lead DJA, 27-18.
With a narrow 57-55 lead upon entering the payoff period, Echavia provided the much-needed firepower, erupting with 15 points.
"Winning the title is really our main goal this year since we are prepared much since summer," head coach Rael Diaz said.
DJA was supposed to represent Davao City in the Batang Pinoy 2018 National Championships in Baguio City but Davao's entry was cancelled due to Typhoon Ompong.
DJA will represent Unit 8 in the Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet slated to open on October 15.