DOLPHINS FALL IN BORJA’S BIG NIGHT

By Robert Balajadia

The Okkodo Bulldogs’ blazing hot start gave them the edge early as they beat the Southern Dolphins 71-49 Tuesday for the first time in the school’s existence.

The Dolphins have not lost a basketball game in exactly a year (last loss against Academy on November 11, 2013) and they fell to the hands of Bulldogs’ Felicia “Fearless” Borja and Keann Castro, who combined for 51 points.

Borja caught fire in the 1st quarter where she went 5-of-6 from three-point land, to go a long with 19 points, as Okkodo turned in a 29-point quarter while completely shutting down the Dolphins to go up 29-0.

“We just took advantage of [ApriTalledol] not being on the floor. Our coach kept telling us their best player wasn’t there and for us to take advantage of that, which we did. We all contributed as a team and everything started falling,” said Borja, who’s fifth three pointer came at the 1st quarter buzzer.

Southern’s Talledo started out the game on the bench and didn’t see action until the 2nd quarter, but the Dolphins were never able to break free of the double digit lead with their closest point of a comeback happening in the second half despite a 22-point outing from Talledo.

April Talledo of the Dolphins tries to find her way through the lane as four defenders close in. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

The Dolphins were trailing 35-8 to begin the 3rd quarter when Talledo started to go to work. Talledo converted on two straight and-one plays, followed by a steal off the inbounds which led to a layup, going on a personal 8-0 run to cut the Bulldog lead 38-22.

With the Dolphins on high alert on Borja’s ability to score, they keyed in on her to try and take her out of the game. Borja knew what the defense was trying to do so she stepped into the facilitator role and found her partner in crime Castro on many different occasions for easy buckets.

“We’ve been playing together since middle school and it’s just an instinct we share since we trust each other. This whole team trusts each other. Our goal tonight was defense and we just have a lot of faith in each other,” said Castro.

Castro scored 10 of her 20 points in the 3rd quarter alone which also helped the Bulldogs maintain their large lead over the Dolphins 56-33.

Borja was still sharing the wealth in the final period by hitting teammate Lori Okada on three different occasions for easy buckets, and to Castro again in final minutes to close out the Dolphins. Okada finished with 14 points.

Felicia Borja of the Bulldogs sinks a long three in the first quarter to keep the Bulldogs streak alive. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

“When [April] came back in, I started to drive and kick it to my open teammates,” said Borja on her second half mindset.

Talledo did finish with a team high in points despite only playing three quarters and Borja did admit that Talledo’s early impact may have affected the game.

“I think the outcome would have be different if [April] had started, but this is our first time beating them and we’re happy with the win. A win is a win,” said Borja.

The Bulldogs will enjoy this win all season long as they improve to (5-1) while dropping the Dolphins to (4-1).

Other Scores

St. Paul 47, GW 25
Harvest 38, Sanchez 29 ***Game photos below!
JFK 56, Notre Dame 54

Academy 48, Sanchez 34 (Monday)

PHOTO GALLERY:

Felicia Borja gets denied by a Dolphin while attempting to shoot. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Mar Tenorio of the Dolphins attempts to pull in a rebound after a missed shot. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

#10 Kara Day scores during 2nd quarter of game. (photo by Rock Anciano)

Sharks guard Caylani Estoy chasing after a loose ball underneath the Eagles basket. (Photo by Rock Anciano)

Mia Clebarne #3 defended by Sharks below their basket. (photo by Rock Anciano)

#12 Megan Schobat on a fastbreak after a steal. (photo by Rock Anciano)

Lady Sharks defending for an inbound pass during 1st quarter of play at Eagles gym. (photo by Rock Anciano)