By Niko Bulaon

The JFK Islanders took down the young Sanchez Sharks in a blowout win, 71-41, at the JFK gym Saturday night.

The Islanders started off strong with a three coming from Billy Belger and an easy lay-in by Giovanni Perez. Two back-to-back layups by Sharks Dean Nilo put his team a point behind JFK. But the Islanders soon found their footing, going on a 9-2 run in the last three minutes of the quarter, ending it with a huge lead of 21-8.

JFK started the second the same way they ended the first; back-to-back baskets going for an 11-4 run to bring the lead to 30-12. Behind John Buan, the Sharks tried to keep up to their opponents, but the tight defense of the Islanders had Sanchez racking up turnovers. Behind Kurtis Silva, the Islanders ended the first half with a 22-point lead, 41-19.

Islanders’ Kurtis Silva sinks the bucket and a chance at a free throw. (photo by Jesse Castro)

After multiple short jumpers and three-pointers from Silva and Perez, JFK jumped to a 27-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 52-25.

The Sharks found the weakness in the opponent’s defense, getting into the paint for the fouls. But Sanchez’s offense could not break the aggressive Islanders. Back-to-back baskets by the Islanders kept their lead building. By the end of the fourth quarter, the Islanders left the Sharks with no hope, building their 30-point win of the night.

“It was a good win,” said Silva about their win. “But we haven’t went anywhere yet. We’re just content with this one and it’s on to the next game.”

With the Islanders now standing at 4-1, Silva stated, “We’re just going to take it one game at a time and to not look to far ahead. When the playoffs come, we’ll go from there.”

Silva led his team with 21 points, six rebounds, and a steal. Perez contributed with 11 points and eight rebounds. Buan led his team with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

Other Scores

Okkodo 44, St. Paul 43 – (OKD) Jeddou Antonio 26 pts, 12 rbs. (SP) John San Andres 14 pts, 10 reb.
Guam High 65, FD 57 – Double OT (GH) Austy Hines 18 pts, (FD) Jeremiah Taitano 13 pts.
Southern 62, ND 43 – (SHS) Ryan Tiologo 14 pts, (SHS) Chaz Nanguata 13 pts.
St. John’s 52, Harvest 34 (SJ) Jumao Wang 17 pts.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Islanders’ William Belger tips the ball in after a missed jumper. (photo by Jesse Castro)

After a quick pass on the inside, Sharks’ Adrian Manlapaz tries for two over Islanders’ Giovanni Perez. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Kurtis Silva shoots one off the backboard, sinking it for two. (photo by Jesse Castro)

With no shot, Sharks’ Dean Nilo passes the ball back out. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks’ John Buan went straight into the paint and tries for two. (photo by Jesse Castro)