By Robert Balajadia
The Guam Nationals capped off a perfect season winning the GBC 2014 Women’s Spring Basketball League at the FD Jungle Saturday afternoon presented by Dr. Joon Ha and Reflection Center Dental Care. Guam Nationals defeated the Islanders Club 57-32 with a big helping from Kat Casto, who finished with 20 points while grabbing eight rebounds.
Castro and the team are gearing up for the 2014 Micronesian Games this July. The team has a good mix of veterans and newcomers, but Castro feels that everything is falling into place.
“We’re not at the point where coach wants us to be, and we just need more practice. These young girls are contributing very well and it’s good that they’re part of the team at this age. They’re a lot quicker and faster and that just helps us gel together,” said Castro.
The Nationals jumped out to an 18-4 lead after the first quarter and just dominated from then on.
National’s Kali Benavente also had a big game scoring 18 points doing most of her damage while hitting open jumpers. Jocelyn Pardilla had an all-around game scoring six points, dishing out six assists, and grabbing seven rebounds.
The Islanders Club was held to just 11 points in the first half facing a 25-11 deficit after a strong showing from Castro and Benavente.
The Islanders managed to triple their scoring in the second half after getting a lift from Bowman, Rebecca Rupley, and Shaira Cortez.
Nationals’ Alina Bonto and Crystal Pardilla were stout on defense creating seven turnovers between the two with Bonto grabbing four steals and Pardilla grabbing three.
Allison Bowman was the leading lady for the Islanders’ Club scoring 11 points while grabbing 15 rebounds.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Islanders Club Allison Bowman attempts a turn around post shot. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Guam National’s Jocelyn Pardilla lets loose a three pointer. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Guam National’s Chachie Bola Aquino scores a fast break bucket. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Guam National’s Kali Benavente gets the reverse lay in to go. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Guam National’s Kat Castro scores on a jumper over Islanders Allison Bowman. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Allison Bowman gets a big block on Guam Nationals Kali Benavente. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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QUICK HITS
The JFK Islanders won the first ever Memorial Weekend High School Basketball Tournament.
The All-Tournament selection were Zhion Macapinlac JFK, Darwin Ecijan JFK, Matthew Quinata Southern, and Malcom Fernandez Tiyan.
JFK’s Collin Rillamas was named tournament MVP.
