Breaking a two-year losing streak is no small feat, but for UP Integrated School coach King Vergeire, the 70-59 triumph over the DLSZ Junior Archers in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament is more than just a win on the scoreboard.
This was the Fighting Maroons’ first victory since defeating University of the East, 80-71, on January 14, 2024, in the UAAP Season 86 19-and-Under Basketball Tournament. And it came as a reward for the players’ perseverance behind the scenes.
“You know I always say sa mga practice namin (na) it’s about us,” Vergeire shared after snapping UPIS’ 20-game skid.
“Kumbaga, we really just focus on what we’re doing. We’re just really focused on our development as a team (and) nagbunga (as) we got the win today.”
For a program that often struggles against better-recruited opponents, UPIS emphasizes maximizing the potential of its roster — developing not just their basketball skills on the court but also their character off it.
While this philosophy makes for a compelling underdog narrative, it comes with challenges.
Rumors have long circulated that UPIS might struggle to assemble a competitive team for the senior high school tournament scheduled in the second semester.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Vergeire, however, remained measured when asked about the speculation, neither confirming nor denying it.
He did hint that some current JHS players could move up to potentially strengthen the senior high roster.
“Everything’s unsure but I’m not gonna comment on that now,” he said.
“Again, I was talking about development no? It’s very, very important in our program in UP that we develop young athletes not just on the court, but off the court din.”
For UPIS, victories are rare and precious, but the focus remains firmly on building resilient student-athletes.
Vergeire, himself a product of the same system, sees this philosophy as central to the program’s identity.
“Despite everything, everything is just for the kids. We really give our best; our coaching staff, everyone actually in our team. Everything binibigay talaga namin sa mga bata. Win or lose, again we’re there for them through the ups and downs,” he said.
“Coming from the program, it was really hard even during my time with Juan (Gomez de Liano), Javi (Gomez de Liano), and all the other guys. It’s been really tough, but definitely, you know, it’s a full circle moment for me — not being the most successful high school program in the past years — but I’ll take the small wins.”
