By Robert Balajadia

The St. John’s Knights rolled through the San Vicente Braves Monday evening in a huge 67-20 win at the Knights home court in boys middle school basketball action.

Knights’ Michael Min led all scorers with 20 points and had a big first quarter where the Knights blew the game wide open. Min scored 11 points in the opening quarter, while also grabbing three steals that led to easy fast break points. Dylan Franquez also had a great start to the game scoring nine points to help put the game out of reach early.

Braves’ Tatum Aflague scored the Braves second bucket that broke a 13-0 run by the Knights as St. John’s ended the first quarter with a double-digit lead 29-6.

The Knights were hot from three point range hitting seven three pointers for the game. Majority of their damage was done in the first half after going into the break leading 44-9 after a buzzer beater from Min off a pull up midrange jump shot.

The Braves were in danger of not scoring in the third quarter, but managed to get a bucket from Jake Carbullido with 10 seconds remaining to avoid the quarter shutout.

San Vicente nearly scored more points in the fourth quarter (nine) than they did in the first three quarters (11) after getting a lift from leading scorer Raine Delos Reyes who finished with eight points.

Knights’ Takumi Simon had a big second half and ended the game with 15 points.

Winner Takes All

Unable to get a shot off, Braves’ Raine Delos Reyes passes the ball to his teammate in the lane. (photo by Jesse Castro)

With the middle school basketball champion being decided by the league’s best record, three teams are currently chasing a first place spot in the St. Anthony Raiders, St. John’s Knights, and Harvest Eagles.

The Knights only loss came against the Harvest Eagles and will only be able to claim the top seed if the Eagles lose for the second time this season.

The St. Anthony Raiders took down the unbeaten Eagles last week and now control their own destiny. A loss from the Raiders will forgo their chances of being the league champions.

The Raiders and Knights challenge each other in the season finale Thursday where, if the Raiders win, they take the top seed. The Knights will be playing the spoiler role if the Eagles come out of Thursday night’s game with just one loss.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Trying to find and opening the Knights defense, Braves Kobe Martinez passes the ball to his teammate Joseph Gurrero. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Knights’ Dylan Franquez stole the ball away from the braves and heads out on a fast break play. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Braves’ gather around their coach during a timeout. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Knights’ Dylan Franquez shot for three points in the corner and putting the points on the board. (photo by Jesse Castro)