Kai Sotto tops high school player rankings anew

MANILA, Philippines – Another day. Another win. Another week at the top of both the UAAP juniors standings and the Chooks to Go NBTC 24 Top High School Player rankings.

Ateneo Blue Eaglet Kai Sotto tallied another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 90-75 win over UPIS last Sunday. The son of former pro player Ervin Sotto also added two assists, one steal and one block while committing zero turnovers in leading Ateneo to its 12th straight victory.

The second to fifth placers in the weekly high school player rankings remained the same as the previous week, with Sotto’s Ateneo teammate SJ Belangelat second, La Salle Greenhill’s Joel Cagulangan at third, Mapua’s Will Gozum at fourth and FEU’s LJ Gonzales at fifth.

The biggest mover for the week was Adamson swingman Joem Sabandal, who climbed five notches from No. 22 to No. 17. His climb was helped by the Baby Falcons’ huge 91-74 win over skidding UST in the UAAP juniors competition.

Sabandal tallied 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal in a strong effort that saw his side match UST’s 6-6 record, although the former is ahead of the latter in the league standings with two more matches to play.

Chooks to Go NBTC 24 Week 4 High School Player Rankings:

1. Kai Sotto, Ateneo (last week #1)
2. SJ Belangel, Ateneo (last week #2)
3. Joel Cagulangan, LSGH (last week #3)
4. Will Gozum, Mapua (last week #4)
5. LJ Gonzales, FEU (last week #5)
6. Rhayyan Amsali, NU (last week #6)
7. Dave Ildefonso, Ateneo (last week #8)
8. RJ Abarrientos, FEU (last week #9)
9. CJ Cansino, UST (last week #7)
10. Aaron Fermin, AU (last week #12)
11. Clint Escamis, Mapua (last week #10)
12. John Galinato, CKSC (last week #15)
13. Inand Fornilos, LSGH (last week #13)
14. Warren Bonifacio, Mapua (last week #15)
15. Evan Nelle, San Beda (last week #14)
16. Terrence Fortea, NU (last week #11)
17. Joem Sabandal, Adamson (last week #22)
18. Raven Cortez, DLSZ (last week #18)
19. Joaqui Manuel, Ateneo (last week #17)
20. Beirn Laurente, UV (last week #23)
21. Alex Visser, SHS-Ateneo de Cebu
22. Mac Guadana, LPU (last week #19)
23. Harvey Pagsanjan, HCHS (last week #20)
24. Maui Cruz, EAC (last week #20)

There are three more weeks remaining in the high school player rankings. Those who make the weekly rankings on a regular basis will book a spot in the SM-NBTC High School All-Star Game this March at the Mall of Asia Arena.