Berkley graduate shines with Philippines Basketball Women’s U18 National Team

BERKLEY — From the high school hardwood to a national stage, a Berkley native has made a name for herself playing basketball locally and overseas.

Ashley Loon, who graduated with honors from Berkley High School in 2022, played in India Sept. 5-11 for the Philippines Women’s U18 National Team as it competed for the U18 Women’s Asian Championship in Division B.

The Philippines competed against teams that included Hong Kong, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Samoa and Thailand.

Loon, who was born in the Philippines, moved to the United States when she was 5 years old.

“It’s been an amazing experience being able to play with other Filipino girls like myself, and I feel blessed to be able to represent my country,” Loon said.

Loon, 18, averaged 9.6 points per game and 6.4 rebounds as a starter. The Philippines, which finished 4-1 in the tournament, lost to Malaysia 66-65 on a last-second layup in its fourth game but rebounded against Samoa with an 84-68 win to secure third place.

At Berkley, Loon was a standout guard in her four years as a starter.

Loon was a two-time all-state selection and was also voted Metro Detroit Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 24-29, 2022. Loon was also the first to score 1,000 career points in school history and is a Rochester University commit.

After attending a tryout in Chicago back in March for a shot at the Philippines Women’s U18 National Team, she was invited in August to a training camp in California for three weeks as she fought for a spot on the roster.

“It felt really good to hear my name called,” Loon said.

The Philippines opened up on a three-game win streak before losing to Malaysia, and Loon said the team’s development in one area was the deciding factor behind its success.

“Defense; it was definitely an important factor during the tournament,” Loon said. “It’s what won us our games.”

As Loon returns to Rochester University with the women’s basketball season starting on Oct. 29 against Marian University, she said the U18 Women’s Asian Championship is an experience that will only help her grow as a basketball player.

“It’s very different,” Loon said. “The competition is a lot better than high school, and I’m able to play with and against top players from all over the world.”